Favorite Things - 2008

It's a snowy, snowy weekend here in Boston.  We are digging out of 16 + inches of snow.  I've been fortunate enough that my brother, Paul, has been here and he has taken over the majority of the shoveling duties.  I am so grateful for that.  Thanks, Paul!

So, while being in the house for long periods of time, I got to thinking.  Some of us are preparing for the beautiful holiday this week.  And we are all preparing for the close of another year and the welcoming of 2009.  I am not a fan of re-caps, and countdowns and 'looking back' programs.  I like to focus on what's ahead.  But I am breaking a bit with my usual m.o., and wanted to share a couple of favorites of mine in 2008. Here's my list, based on the five senses:

1.) Sound

I attended a few concerts this past year that I truly enjoyed and loved every sound I heard. I loved hearing the sounds of summer.  I was aware of and comforted on many occasions by the whistle of the commuter train as it rode through town.  But there was one particular sound that keeps coming back to me.  When I was visiting Betsy and her family in November, she and I took a long ride one afternoon, checking out the neighborhood and the ocean beach.  Wil of course was with us, and while Betsy and I chatted away in the front seat, Wil was holding court with his legion of angels in the back seat.  So cute.  He wasn't looking for his mother's attention and he wasn't looking for mine either.  He was just looking out the window and reporting to his friends about...um, well...whatever it is that babies report back to the angels.  Gabbing away.  I loved hearing his baby-speak and have chosen it as my favorite sound of 2008.

2.) Sight

This past summer I traveled a bit more than I usually do.  It was great.  I hadn't been on an airplane in years and it was cool to get back into it.  Flying across America is such a treat.  I had a window seat on one of my flights, and flying into Denver, CO, on a beautiful summer day provided many nice sights from the window.   Seeing the patches of land that make up the Midwest was a memorable sight for me.  And even flying back into Logan Airport in Boston at 11:00 at night provided a wonderful light show as we landed.  Seeing the Midwest and Boston from the window seat, (11E), American Airlines, ranks as my favorite sight of 2008.

3.) Taste

Okay - this choice even to me is a little off - I mean over an entire year??  I can't help but choose a meal I had about a month ago at a local restaurant.  I met a dear friend of mine for dinner, a woman I used to work with years ago.  She and I keep in touch and are sure we have dinner often.  We went to The Chateau restaurant in Norwood and we each had the Chef's Special.  It consisted of bread to start, a salad, and the main meal - grilled shrimp, steak tips, chicken strips with rice and squash.  We could barely talk about anything but the meal!  We've been sharing the experience with everyone. I rank the Chef's Special at The Chateau in Norwood as my favorite taste of 2008.

4.) Smell

This one was hard to come up with.  But I've decided on the smell of fresh, crisp, cool air. That's not too easy to come by when you are living in the city.  But I truly love that first crisp fall day and that first crisp, cool - cold - winter day.  Stepping outside and breathing in that air brings with it the smell of those seasons.  Change is good.  And when both seasons make their appearances, I am hopeful.  I rank the first crisp, cool, cold days of fall and winter as my favorite smell(s) of 2008.

5.) Touch/Feel 

5a) Touch:  a co-worker of mine brought her three-month old baby to work the other day. When Mac was born, he and his Mom came by work to visit.  I missed that visit and was bummed.  Last week she had daycare issues and in came Mac with his Mom to work.  She came upstairs to my office and introduced me to him.  Laura held him first, then passed him off to me.  He smiled, giggled, & laughed as I took hold of him.  He nuzzled his head into my shoulder, gnawed at my shoulder, drooled all over my shoulder.  It was so sweet to hold him, rub his little back and watch him alternately laugh at Laura and his Mom.  Holding Mac was a plus for 2008.

5b.) Feel: technically not a sense, but I was "touched" in this way as well. My favorite feeling in 2008 has been the warmth of friendships, new or renewed, virtual or otherwise.  It's been a wonderful year for friendships.  I am grateful I had the opportunities to make new friends, and I have loved continuing the cultivation and warmth of old ones.  Thank you all.  Lets spread the love in 2009!

Merry Christmas to everyone!  And may all your New Years bring many favorites to you.

Love & Peace,

It's The Little Things

I get excited by little things.  Tonite, I discovered a little something about my blog.  It's Italian! That's right - Italian.  

I started the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert today and haven't been able to put it down.  It's really good so far, and just 61 pages into it, I am going to go ahead and recommend it. She has a great sense of humor and a style that's easy to read.  

Her journey in this book first takes her to Italy. In talking with a new friend, she writes about the American inability to do nothing. Her friend observes that Americans are overworked, but that we actually seem to enjoy it and like it that way.  Italians, on the other hand, are "...masters of il bel far niente."  Translated : the beauty of doing nothing.  The conversation goes on to reveal the Italian ability to make something out of nothing. Gilbert writes: "There's another wonderful Italian expression: l'arte d'arrangiarsi - the art of making something out of nothing.  The art of turning a few simple ingredients into a feast, or a few gathered friends into a festival."  

I have, for as long as I can remember, a deep love for all things Italian.  I studied the language for a year in college (beautiful language), and Italian Renaissance art is absolutely one of my most favorite art history studies in high school and college.  Moonstruck is still one of my favorite movies to this day.  And the scene in Lady & the Tramp when they eat the spaghetti & meatballs behind the restaurant?  Yeah, gets me every time.  It is one of my goals - to travel to Italy one day.  And I will.  

But until that day, I am just happy to know that a little of the Italian culture must have been well within my bones when I launched my blog under the name "Nothing is Something". Indeed, there is always something happening! I admit it was more of a Zen influence I thought I was tapping into, but to recognize that the Italian was also well within my psyche regarding Nothing makes me smile just a little.  

I look forward to following Elizabeth Gilbert's journey through Italy, then to India and on to Indonesia.  Let me know if you've read the book or get into it one day.  Give me a holler and we'll discuss.  

Va bene, Ciao.  Buona Notte.  

It Wasn't A Dream...

Last week I had to go to the local CVS pharmacy to pick up a prescription for my Mom.  The doc supposedly called it in and off I went to pick it up, while my sis and Dad stayed behind at the homestead.  

I used to work as a teenager at this CVS and even back then the pharmacy was BUSY and therefore, a little obnoxious.  Obnoxious because it was just SO busy and obnoxious because of the poor sick public, trying to get their medicines. The bins bulge over with prescription bags. All this to say, I was not really looking forward to the visit.  Typically my parents use another pharmacy but it was closed by now and my Mom needed the medicine that night.

6:05 pm

I arrive to find a line at the back of the store, people waiting for their prescriptions. I finally get to the front:

"I'm here to pick up my prescription..." and I give her the name.  

Blank stare.

"You know, my prescription.  The doctor called it in".  

Blank stare.  Finally "ehhhh, how you spell?"  and she writes it down.  She approaches one of three Pharmacists workings FEVERISHLY at computer terminals within vision and ear shot of the registers.  I have always known these people to be ANNOYED when interrupted.  I suppose that does not bother me since they are making prescriptions and need to know the difference between, say - oxicodone and oxymoron, right?? And they should be focused on the task at hand.  So, that's all good.  The CVS pharmacy associate comes back to me and says "no, no in."  

"Excuse me?"

"No in" and I get a shoulder shrug.

I call home and decide I will go back, eat dinner, hope the doc really did call it in, and return later for the pills.   

8:36pm

I arrive back at the counter (keep in mind that this is also a drive-through pharmacy and every five minutes a woman's voice dings overhead and states "customer at pharmacy window").  It's not as crowded now, and as I am standing in line I realize there is a small flat-screen TV in the ceiling corner - and it was Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving show.  CUTE.  Charlie Brown in bare feet.  It was very educational and I found myself mesmerized by the show.  Good time kill.

I reach the front. A new pharmacy associate is working the counter - in fact, I think he was a pharmacy school student.  Three teenage girls were off to my right, sitting & waiting for a prescription, texting, talking and being girls.  New pharmacy associate was TOTALLY enthralled by said girls and couldn't take his attention away from them.  In a little bit of a creepy manner.  Fast forward and he had one of their numbers by the end of the 1/2 hour that I waited for the pills.  I watched them all flirt - eeew - and moved on to watching "Dancing With the Stars" on the tube.

When I had asked him about my pills, he couldn't find it in the computer etc., etc......"Aaahhh - you need to register her with her insurance card. Over there".  Luckily I had that card with me. I step under the sign "DROP-OFF" and a 'pleasant' pharmacist came over to help register my Mom's name (remember: she's annoyed).  We proceeded to register my mother's info while the pharmacist pleasantly dragged & dragged her nose through it all with a cold!  Again, eeew. Result:  Fifteen minute wait.

There is also a "CONSULTATION" sign next to "DROP-OFF", where people can chat it up about their health with the available Pharmacist.  I have used this window at times, and have seen others use it as well.  No matter how softly the person on this side of the window tries to discuss their private issue, the CVS pharmacist insists on amplifying their answers in a theatrical sing-song voice that rivals a bull-horned rabble-rouser at the local VFW Post during a political rally.  It's totally uncool.   

Eventually, after Lance Bass & his partner twirled on the big screen, I accomplished my mission and picked up the pills.  Yes - it felt like midnight but it was about 9:20pm.  The elated pharmacy student (elated cuz he had the girrrrlz digits on his cellie now) rang in my order and off I went - after picking up some of my own meds for my suddenly surprisingly pounding headache!   

I guess these are my points to the story: 

1.)  It's tough getting sick.  And it can be even tougher trying to get to the medicine that is supposed to make you not feel sick anymore.  Oy. 

2.) What language do we need to know to talk with the front-line associates at registers?  Just tell me and I am happy to learn it. Especially for those times when you are feeling icky, it would be nice for the public to be able to converse easily and avoid developing an ulcer from frustration.  Cuz that would mean more meds.  aaaaand maybe that's their method....TO THIS MADNESS. 

3.)  If you are sick, stay home.  And don't drag your nose (did your mother not teach you that?!).

4.)  Next trip, bring your bullhorn - you may need it for the consultation process.

 

5.)   To this day, Charlie Brown still ROCKS.

Be well and stay healthy!!

Memory Lane

So my friend Betsy referenced our day together, years ago, at the 'paint your own pottery' place called The Clayroom in Coolidge Corner, Brookline. I resurrected this...................Betsy - are you SURE we weren't drinking?? Cuz I think I'd rather the old tale morph into "we were totally hammered..." and that would explain what the hell I was doing painting THIS:

No wonder I was stumbling down Beacon Street laughing my arse off! I now know Betsy wasn't totally into the gig because she was probably embarrassed by my "flair for the artistic", didn't want to have to acknowledge it, and suggested "let's bounce"........Seriously??? Dude - why didn't you stop me?? Was it cuz I had a hot blow dryer in my hand?

I love art too. In an effort to save my own reputation, I will share this other piece I created on a different visit to The Clayroom. I am proud to report that when I went back with my buddy to pick up this piece (they make you leave it with them until it goes through the oven and bakes - clearly something I would benefit from myself) it was displayed IN THE WINDOW for all to see on Beacon Street as they walked by. My fifteen minutes of fame. I must admit, I am proud of this one. Then again, how can you really mess up using a stencil and choosing only two colors? In case you can't decipher it, it's a divot* with the Japanese** character for "Peace". A nice dark orange background, with a forest green-type paint for the characters and matching green trim. Yo, thumbs up, right? I like it.



Okay - so maybe I CAN continue to dabble in the realm. These two clearly cancel one another out. Now I'm even - balanced perhaps (alright - that's questionable, but just roll with me on this one). Goes to show ya there are days you hit one out of the park and other days you're walking back to the bench with your head low after striking out in front of thousands. There's always another at bat. I'm keeping that teapot, come hell or high water. Cuz for me, there's just too many good things wrapped up inside it :)

Tea anyone?.....Peace.

* betsy has correctly pointed out to me that the term is TRIVET. and I wasn't even drinking writing this post...?? Golf anyone?

**disclaimer: not sure if it's Japanese or Chinese or which Asian language it is

Road Trip

I had the great pleasure of visiting the Higgins Family of Shrewsbury, NJ, these last few days. Between our busy schedules, Betsy and I were able to settle on this past Sunday - Tuesday to visit together at her home. I was thrilled to have the mini-vacation, before the hectic busyness of the holidays. It gave me a much needed break from the routine up here in Boston, and also gave me the opportunity to catch up with a wonderful friend. Not to mention meeting her beautiful boy, Wil.

During the journey and visit, I made some observations, learned some things along the way, and other things I already knew were brought back to the surface:

1.) I like hopping in the car every once-in-awhile and taking long drives, especially on a beautiful fall day.

2.) Some gas stations are just plain creepy.

3.) Eating a sandwich, following written directions, steering your car on the highway {at 80 mph} and maybe talking on the cell phone just might not be the best course of action - um, definitely not all at once.

4.) I, thankfully, do not have a bridge phobia. If I did, I would have been on the news as a helicopter rescue in New York.

5.) I, thankfully, did NOT have a deer running at my car, as did some by evidence on the highway. Sad.

6.) When driving the Interstate highways, one should not WEAVE back & forth between lanes while trying to determine which Toll Lane to be in - just get the freakin' Eazy-Pass, Rita! {'twas fortunate I was traveling on Sunday and then on a Federal holiday - no traffic, ergo, no fender-bender!}

7.) There's nothing like a friend who makes you feel at home. And who makes you laugh OUTLOUD.

8.) I need to get out & do more shopping and re-energize my wardrobe.

9.) I LOVE a fish dinner...the concept of brunch...and in case it's never been said before on these pages, chicken spaghetti.

10.) I love tea. I mean, I drink A LOT of tea.

11.) Animals rock.

12.) You can keep house plants alive. I witnessed it.

13.) I always enjoy meeting friends of friends.

14.) Trash day at abode de Higgins in Shrewsbury, NJ, is on Tuesdays.

15.) Trees shed a lot of leaves. A LOT.

16.) The i-phone and sirius radio are both pretty cool.

17.) There's nothing like sharing your living space with nature - in this case, a quick drive to the beautiful ocean. And I love driving around, checking out real estate, neighborhoods and "main streets" of towns new to me {and of some towns that are old to me too!}

18.) There is nothing like getting a fantastic night of sleep!

19.) There is nothing in the world like spending time with a baby. Perspectives shift, priorities shift, and kids carry their own light to the party. It's great.

20.) Traveling is good for the soul.

It was a great time. Thanks Betsy, Ryan and Wil for making it a cherished trip for me.

Hear That?

That's the echo of a penny falling down the hollow tunnel that is my blog of Nothingness...

Have I found Zen and my mind is open and full of light nothings? Instead of marbles? I think not. But until I can sort out all the marbles, Om to everyone. :)

Namaste.

PBS

www.pbs.org

I love PBS.  I don't watch enough of it, but when I do I always say "Why don't I watch this station more often?"  Over the years they have had some tremendous programming and I love supporting the work they do.

I have never watched Bill Moyers on television, but last year I FINALLY got around to reading a book of his written in the 1990s.  Some of the material is a little dated, but it was truly neat to read it now and to see the changes and progress made since the time of when the book was written.  It is named Healing and the Mind.  It speaks to the immersion and integration of Eastern medicines and practices with the Western world of medicine.  Back then it was a fairly new concept and still open to exploration.  Today, to consider and to practice Eastern medicine with Western medicine is more accepted and encouraged when looking to treat disease.  I loved the book. And I came to really like Bill Moyers. 

Tonight I just happened to catch an interview on the Bill Moyers Journal - a show that apparently runs every Friday night.  My social life ain't what it used to be and so I plan to try and tune in more often when it runs.  Bill has different segments to his show and this was the last clip.  He interviewed a man named Mark Johnson.  Mark has created a DVD that encourages a worldwide movement for connection and change through music. He calls his movement PLAYING FOR CHANGE: PEACE THROUGH MUSIC.  Music is what unites all of us, no matter ones lot in life.  The DVD is a vehicle for people to witness the connections that music makes, and to encourage involvement in the movement.  He basically took songs,  i.e. "Stand By Me", and traveled around the world with camera and recording equipment and had street or local musicians record the song(s), in their own element.  The way it plays on the DVD it's as if they are all playing it together, at once.  It took him close to 10 years to make this DVD.  I found the interview to be really cool and inspiring and just wanted to spread the awareness about his work, in case you may like to see the DVD. 

Playing For Change

Looking Forward To...

Now that the baseball season is officially over in Boston, we, here, can turn our sights to:

patriots marching

bruins ruining

leprechauns dancing

Sounds like a weird dream, doesn't it? Which is funny because the other day zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzbbj42 9]#b!" b6543gnj0zzzzzzzzzzz huh? whoa!! - I'm awake! Sorry. What was I saying? Never mind.

Oops - watch the drool on the keyboard there. I'm heading to bed.

So. In. Need. Of. Sleep.

Weary.

Thanks for a great season, guys. You're the best.

YES!!!

Globe Staff/Jim Davis

Happy Anniversary!

Today is my parent's 58th wedding anniversary. They are still going strong and laugh with each a lot...every day. They are two wonderful people and have been an unbelievable source of support for their seven children, twenty-three grandchildren and one great-grandson.

In The Mood is one of my father's favorite tunes. We have it played at every family wedding so we can all dance with him (well, all the girls do). So, as a shout-out to my parents - who never read this blog - I say Happy Anniversary! and here's to you both with love!

In The Mood, Tex Beneke and the Glenn Miller Orchestra

Leroy!

When I was little, in the 6, 7, 8-ish range, my sister owned a bright red Chevrolet Camaro.  It was slick, it was cool, it was BAD.  She's about 18 years older than me and started her career as a teacher.  I'm sure she was one of the most popular teachers at the school - not just because she is really, really nice, but also because she had that car!  I hung out with Carol all the time while my Mom and Dad were working - she the oldest & me the youngest....the bookends. Carol listened to some great music and it is one of my fondest memories with her growing up.  A particular favorite that always makes me think of Carol is Jim Croce's Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.  Every time I hear it on the radio, it always lifts my spirits, whether they need them or not!  We danced in the kitchen or cruised in that Camaro to a great many tunes.  We had FUN!   I just heard it on the radio and it stirred some good memories...I cherish those days...and I miss that Camaro  :)

A Different Simpson...

I wasn't really following the whole trial this time.  I was aware - I knew there was a robbery and I knew there were threats.  But when I heard last week that O.J. Simpson was found guilty and could possibly go to jail for life, I have to admit I was floored.  I didn't know that the sentence for his crime could be a life sentence.  It just made me pause and think about the public life this man has led, how many different ways he has engaged the public eye.  Major football star, actor, a man once accused of a heinous crime and now found guilty of another.   If you think about it, it makes for good fiction - except it's REAL. Wow.  His lawyers are now motioning for a re-trial on the basis that the jury selection was unfair for O.J.   I'll be curious to see how much further this can go.  If he's not already, O.J. Simpson should be a case study on college campuses...or maybe just a really good beach read in years to come.  And isn't it funny that you rarely see white Broncos on the road anymore?       

Birthday Song

I wish I knew someone named Lisa...

This is the cutest song ever. Alf Clausen is the music director for the Simpsons and is a Berklee College of Music trained composer. And I always loved the fact that Lisa played the sax on the show. Good times.

That's a Wrap

Tomorrow is the official first day of fall.  I am happy to report that I was able to squeeze in one more concert before bringing my summer to a close.  Last night was the Farm Aid concert in Mansfield, MA.  Myself and 20,000 (5,500 on the lawn) of my closest friends swayed and sang to the music of many really great acts. 

We arrived late afternoon, as Jacob Dylan and his band were performing - they sounded great! We found our friends on the lawn, and were able to spread out our blanket, despite the fact that people had been there tailgating since 10:00am and staking their claim on the lawn at 12Noon.  I was grateful we had the room.  Characters surrounded us, people of all ages.  The people-watching was worth the price of admission.  Camouflage, cowboy hats, shirts pulled off to reveal sports bras (security came and kindly asked that the shirt go back on) and the usual Levi style garb.  I have to say, however, that my favorite goes to a young fella that was a few feet in front of us with his twenty-something friends, sporting a neon green baseball cap.  It practically glowed in the dark....the kicker?  As he had it flopped to the right, the insignia came in full view - New Kids On The Block.....seriously buddy?

The lineup we saw included:

Jerry Lee Lewis...it was during this performance that the sports bra came out, while nerves were shaking and brains were rattled.

The Pretenders...fantastic!

Kenny Chesney...I loved him.  What a beautiful voice and a great laid back performance.  Was perfect on a perfectly beautiful afternoon.

After Kenny, it started to get a little darker out....Dave Matthews came on with Tim Reynolds. What a set!  Highlights - Where Are You Going, Crush and Ants Marching - all acoustic but had the crowd rocking!

John Mellencamp was next.  He was loads of fun and ended with "I fight authority, authority always wins!"  Oh yeah!

Neil Young came on after John. He was pretty good...sounded great.  His song Old Man was cool.  It began to be teeth-chattering cold at this point.  We left as Neil was still singing and therefore did not in fact see Willie Nelson.  That was okay...the lawn was pretty much entirely asleep (passed out?) at this point.  We stepped over blankets and bodies and bid adieu to another great summer season at the Comcast Center.  

We had A LOT of laughs and really enjoyed this official close to summer.  It was a great way to say adios, and turn to welcome the fall season with open musical hearts.  

I will end with a little bit of fun that I know will cheer a friend.  Bob Costas was in attendance and announced Dave Matthews to the stage.  It was hilarious to hear that oh so familiar voice LIVE and see him oh so close.  Come to think of it, Farm Aid really is like an Olympic event! The best - all in one venue.  It's a great cause and I am glad they had another successful happening for local farmers. 

www.farmaid.org

Lift Me Up

I think it's safe to say that I turn to music for a great many things. I was cruising in my car the other day and this song came on the radio. Luckily it was drizzling and the windows were up. I cranked this baby and sang along, LOUD.

For those of you down and out with illness, click on the link below and hopefully your foot will start tappin' and you'll feel the urge to sing along. Laughter is the best medicine, but music runs a close second. This should provide both...Be well!

A Lift Me Up

Denise - this one is a bonus track for you cuz you rock, opening your house up to hurricane victims. I hope things get back to normal soon for all affected by Hurricane Ike.

Peace.

I Hear The Whisper...Loud & Clear

My sister called last night to say she did nothing all day (Labor Day).  That's an oddity for her....she hosted a family party the day before and she deserved the r & r.  I was happy she did nothing.  But she must have done something, right? Did she just sit & stare? Even after she explained nothing, I asked: "So, what did you do?"  She did do something.  She chilled on her deck, read for a bit, and then proceeded to get glued to a show she'd never seen and yet loved every minute of (a new television helps immensely in this)....a two-hour marathon on the National Geographic Channel.  That's right - Cesar Millan!  She doesn't have a dog....I don't have a dog.  But we both have sat for Casey the Beagle - our other sister's dog.  And my brother arrived at the party with his family that now includes a new puppy - a cockerpoodle, named Tessie, after the Red Sox song.  No - I don't have a dog.  And I watch the show.  Often.  But I DO have something.  A crush. (yes, another one).

On Cesar.

Hilariously enough, my sister wants to apply his techniques to her every-day work environment, managing an office.  Now THAT I would love to see in action!!  I have to direct her to the website to remind her that his tagline is "Achieving balance between people and dogs"....that's people and DOGS, Maureen.  I love it...so Zen of you, Cesar.  Come to think of it, I'll bet Maureen is successful in her new management style!  Why not, right? 

Until that potentially hilarious video hits the airwaves, I am going to continue watching Cesar and picking up tips - for family dog-sitting appointments.  (And just plain old watching Cesar). I also need to make sure I don't walk too close to my own co-workers in an attempt to keep them calm and in check.  Though that COULD come in handy...hmmm.....better go see if any re-runs are on.

Night-Crawler

See this?  See this guy/gal?  The picture doesn't do this experience justice.  I could throw a saddle on its back and take it down the street to pick up milk & eggs, it's so big.  He/she has been hanging out in the backyard for the past two weeks. There are spotlights on out there til about 10:30pm.  I was passing through the living room the other night, glanced in the direction of the window and saw this one strutting oh so casually through the backyard....just strolling along.  I YELPED! It froze. We locked eyes:

"Hey Rita...r-e-l-a-x..." it looked to say.  Then it gathered itself together, chest pushed out, and continued across the yard.  A little more quickly.  Now doing laps.  Like it was participating in the Olympics.  Back & forth.  A little slow on the 4th lap....Seriously? I saw him/her again the next night...."Hi Rita!".  Where do these things come from?!?!  And where does it live during the day (horror!)?  And hey - where ya headed at night?  (Can I come? Just kidding!).  When we first encountered one another I was exclaiming - "Is it a rat??  Is it a big fat water rat?  A possum??  What in flippin'  sam dam hill is it that thing???"  And yes, my leg was going up & down, arms flailing.  "Ewwwww..."  This city girl was - is - skeeved.  Yeah, I've seen this night critter and it's cousins before in my passing through this world, absolutely.  But this go around made me ponder the very existence and its close proximity to the house. Um, to me. It's size, it's strength.  Whoa - gives me chills just blogging about it!

So while the rest of the country - and perhaps world - this week is focused at night on Obama, I'll be hanging in the living room checking out Opossum!    

In My Next Life, I will be a...

When posed with this question, here are the next lives I would live:

1.) Backup Singer

- My first choice, all around. Yeah, the travelling would be a grind, but I would love to backup an artist similar to James Taylor, where I would add the soul & funk to the music, and he would give me the occasional duet with him or, even better - a solo! The other type backup? To Bruce Springsteen. Where together we would harmonize and rock the party...oh YEAH! Oh...and backup to Sting, of course. No brainer, there.

2.) Professional Athlete - Olympian

- I love keeping my body in motion. It is such a blessing to wake up healthy every day and I love honoring and celebrating it with movement (yoga being my favorite of all to do this). If I could come back and play basketball or softball, that would be fun. But I'm not a huge fan of women's professional sports. So - maybe not professional, but definitely an Olympian athlete. Yes, an Olympian. And I would perform in the track & field category.

3.) Professional Chef

- I enjoy the kitchen and being in motion there too....I love to make people smile and cooking can definitely do that. I would cook for a few years, after studying with the best, then open my own small restaurant and manage it....and in a very ideal world, work it with family, to enjoy it together.

4.) DJ in a House Club

- In Miami or in a mad crazy European dance club, on Friday and Saturday nights (the hottest gig to get)....again, the motion.........the constant good vibes from the beat - putting OTHER people in motion along with me. Join me on the ride. Denise - you can make the mojitos ;)

5.) Doctor

- I would become a medical doctor and then go volunteer for Doctors Without Borders. At the same time, I'd be researching with other medical doctors toward curing cancer. (okay - I admit that sounds like an answer on Miss America, but it's true..it's something I'd like to do).

6.) Professional Artist

- I would become a professional artist and work in oils, making museum quality paintings that might mirror the style of the art from the European Renaissance.

Though there are other lives I would like to live, these top my list today....and would always stay within my top six.

How about you? What's one thing you might be in your next life?

Per Request...

** yes - I am watching SYTYCD**

Bloggers R US, INC.

Blogtown, USA

MEMORANDUM

TO: Whom It May Concern 

(or anyone that would like to proceed beyond this point)

FROM: Rita, Jr.

DATE: 08/08/08

RE: Vacation Recap - the Highlights

_________________________________________

Saturday, July 27 - Sunday, August 3

Sun:

George Michael concert.  just as his song says, he was AMAZING.  would see him again in a heartbeat.  danced and sang like nobody's business - he and the whole crowd, that is. 

M:

chilled; got used to the idea of not being a working fool...was really nice.

T:

shopped with my brother for essentials he needs for his apartment while he's in Boston.  Target rocks. Drove him & all his stuff to downtown Boston, where he's staying

W:

trip into Boston with nephew and nieces.  we visited Paul, then met up with their mother (my sister) who was working in there.  we rode the Swan Boats and walked ALL OVER town.  visited the Copley library, shopped in the Copley & Prudential Malls and ended the night at P.F. Chang's for chinese food dinner.  we were legless but had a blast together all day.

Th:

the Police concert, with Elvis Costello and the Imposters.  incredible fun.  our seats were dead center and the screen was enormous. here is what Sting is looking like these days.  interesting look, no?  yikes!  this was also the day that Manny Ramirez was traded from the red sox.  Betsy texted me during the concert her angst over the trade.  the press here in Boston was crazed over the ordeal up until the time it happened.  it's okay - Manny needed to leave. he didn't want to be here anymore.  enter Jason Bay, #44.  Manny was #24. maybe Bay is twice the player of Manny?  so far, SO GOOD.  we're happy.

Fr:

um....i forget.  oh wait!  party at my sister's for Paul's arrival - my local brother hadn't seen him yet.  we'll be celebrating this arrival til mid-march  :)  all good.

Sat:

oh YEAH!  Bruce Springsteen concert.  weather was treacherous and he was playing at Gillette stadium.  we tailgated at a satellite lot (ironically, my cousin was tailgating three cars away from me!) and walked to the stadium.  the heavens opened upon us and we were soaked. lightening etc.  bruce delayed and finally came on at 9:20pm.  he played til 12:10am - straight.  our seats were great.  four rows up from the field, looking directly at the stage down the other end.  about 10:45 i saw my boss  - the exec. vp of our department - running up the stairs ( we had end seats).  i yelled "Jim!".  in the exuberance of the concert, we high-fived, shucked & jived and he continued on his way.  five minutes later, he was at the end of my row again, giving me the finger curl to "come here". i went to the aisle.  he asked "who ya here with?"  "my friends", i replied.  "would you like our tix up front?"...."'scuse me?" "our tickets - up front - we're leaving - you can try & use them"....i actually hesitated.  briefly.  looked at my friends, whose eyes were huge at this moment, and i replied "YES!!!!!!!  Sure!!".  what a nice gesture!  at each security point, they said "keep going, keep going, keep going.."  14th ROW!!!  Oh baby, did we have fun!  saw about 7 songs and have the memory burned into my brain.  great, great fun!  i saw this!!!!!!  Thanks, Jim!

Sun:

recovery, bacon & eggs, church, bbq at my niece's house.  my brother John was in town from upstate NY to visit for the weekend and see Paul.  we hung out with him a bit before he had to turn back to go home (there was another family party i missed saturday night cuz, you know, i was busy in the stadium).

Someone at work asked me today, "are you done?  are you done with all your concert going for the summer?"  "Heckle, yes", i replied...........til i got home tonite and my sister called asking me to go to Farm Aid, sept. 20!  woohoo!!   i need to go now - and learn the words to something by this guy :)

Unplugged

It's that time. I'll be gone for awhile.....adios! :)

Air...or not

there is no AC in the building today...i....can't....breathe....

today is probably one of the most humid days on record in Boston, with crazy unpredictable rainy weather. not good for a woman with a mop of thick & curly hair to begin with. if they don't fix the AC in another couple of hours, i will need to walk down the hallway SIDEWAYS just so i can fit through. my hair is growing more bozo-like by the second. i REALLY want to avoid this. i've already had a couple of double-takes thrown my way. i don't want to be accused of trying to follow this fashion trend - BY CHOICE. please...fix the AC!

Visit to the MFA

When I was in either 8th or 9th grade, I had to do an oral report for my Spanish class.  I chose to study and report on the artist El Greco.  I  loved researching the topic and giving my presentation to the class. El Greco became a fast favorite of mine, and I was beyond excited when the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, brought an exhibit of his work to Boston.  I went to the exhibit today with my sister Carol and brother Paul.  It was very, very crowded.  The exhibit is named "El Greco to Velazquez: Art During the Reign of Philip III".  The art was created during the late 1500s and into the 1600s.  If it comes to a museum near you, I highly recommend it!  I loved it.  Carol & I opted for the headphones and with those you can capture more of the history of the times and the reasons behind the commissioning of these incredible works of art.  The headphones also help for when you can't read the painting descriptions due to crowds, or as seems to be in my case, failing eyesight (I'm blaming too much blogging for that :) ).  

Carol, Paul and Rita definitely give the exhibit

FRIDAY

gotta love fridays.  here's how i see this one panning out.

lets begin here (this is the exact machine i use every day, many times a day):

then up one flight to what most of my day will look like:

the mind will be wishing it were hanging down here instead watching this  click here.

inevitably there will be some of this:

but there is a light.  always a light.  we here get early release on fridays in the summer.  three o'clock won't approach fast enough

the mood lightens.  people feel, well, euphoric

for me, one of these will be in the picture

along with hanging out and watching this on hd tv

yeah.  i like fridays.  

i hope all of you have a good one - followed by a great weekend!  summer, summer, summer!

Work It!

Taking my cue from Emily and Tia, I thought I would just let people know how I spend my time Monday thru Friday, 9-5 (beside commenting my brains out on blogs).

I work at Boston College, as the Associate Director of Prospect Management. If you are wondering "what's that?" do not be alarmed - I'm still trying to figure it out as well. My role falls under the University Advancement office. In short terms, it is fundraising. I work behind the scenes to make sure the front-line fundraisers are approaching the best people who are in a position to help the University sustain its operations and also grow. That means running a lot of reports, analyzing the results and making many judgements and determinations. I also help each fundraiser stay on top of his/her portfolio by assisting them in moving people toward a gift. It's a big operation - last year BC raised over $101m...in just 12 months! That's a lot of moolah. We are prepping for a very, very big campaign that will kick-off in October. I have been in the field of fundraising since 2000. There is a lot to the science of fundraising and I have learned a great deal while working in the industry. I do not see myself ever advancing down the road of directly asking people for their hard-earned cash, but there is definite potential for career growth behind the scenes. And it's nice to work on a college campus where there are many varied opportunities, should I ever want to turn down another road.

I attended BC as an undergrad and that has been an added bonus to this whole experience. It makes me feel like I am twenty years old again!

This is one job that I continue to get up every morning and love to go to. I can't say I have ever had that experience before. I have always liked my jobs, but was frequently frustrated with the goings-on and with mediocre management. This job is great and offers so much, with a great deal of support from management. I have been here eleven months and will celebrate my one-year anniversary August 20. They seem to like me - so I think I'm in! Phew.

It's known around here locally that BC is a tough place to get a job. It's highly competitive. To even get an interview through the regular Human Resources channel is HARD. You pretty much need to know someone. As my incredibly lucky stars would have it, Betsy knew someone. When I was feeling low - way low - at my last job, Betsy took it upon herself to reach out to a woman she once worked with that is now at BC to verify a rumor about a job opening that could be a potential fit. Connections were made and the rest is history. That email was a turning point for me. The depth of my gratitude is completely beyond words. I love Betsy for many, many different reasons and this is just one of them. I work every day to consciously honor her kind words that she used to describe me to my now boss - cuz it worked! When Tia blogged that Betsy brings out the best in her, I exclaimed outloud at my kitchen table - "that's how I feel too!" Her encouragement is ALWAYS there. She truly is a gift. She travelled a long way to cross my path seven years ago next month, and I am beyond glad that she did!

So - here I am at BC. It's a wonderful place - put it on your list of colleges to visit with your kids when they are juniors in high school...I'll give you the inside tour! : )

Go Eagles!

Childhood Reflection

just started reading this book Me & Emma upon recommendation.  i can already tell it will be a doozy - 70 pages into it and it is already pulling at my heart strings. it begins with an 8 year old girl and her relationship with her sister, two years younger.  they're buds and it's wonderful. 

the book has got me to thinking about my own childhood.  and from that look back, i have pulled out a memory of my favorite must-see tv lineup (real deep on my part, i know).  when i wasn't in the basement listening to my brothers' albums (i was down there a lot.  a cellar dweller if you will.  when nine people are occupying your house and you're the youngest fighting for space, that's where i ended up for chill time.  it was a finished basement, chairs, couches and with the finest speakers this side of town.  i learned a great deal about music down there, from my brothers mostly - bruce springsteen, tavares, elton john, harold melvin and the blue notes.....upstairs was where i heard my sisters' music - the beatles, diana ross & the supremes...good times.  anyway - i digress) i was runnning to the tv room to catch the latest on these five shows:

The Flintstones   

every morning before going to school there were two shows i needed to watch - this was show #1.  i thought wilma was awesome.  i think her white dress always made think of my mother, who was (is) a nurse, and always wore the traditional white uniform back then.  fred was fun and i just loved and appreciated the friendship they all shared. and i guess i learned a little about rock quarries too.

Gilligan's Island

I believe this was on in the afternoon too, but in the morning (show #2) I only had time for the theme song before rushing off to kindergarten. so, i would stand in front of the tv, impatiently waiting for the commercials to be over so i could sing the theme song.  it was an important ritual for me. then i'd bolt out the door.  in the afternoon i could come back and settle into the actual show...what a hoot.  i could never figure out how they all managed to stay looking so good when there were no stores on the island.  no wonder i like the show LOST

The Brady Bunch

of course -  who wasn't watching this?...but the best part of this show would be two things that every day i could ALWAYS count on happening: 

a.) going into the kitchen for this conversation

 

me : 'what's for dinner?' 

my mother: 'food'  

me: 'okay'

then i'd go settle into the chair back in the tv room. 

b.) in a little while my dad would come through the door from work, walk into the den (served as his office AND our tv room) and he'd lean over and give me a big ol' fat kiss on the cheek.  i loved those two things about the brady bunch hour.  but hey - check out this fashion.

Solid Gold

if you grew up in boston, every saturday night was hot dog and beans night.  burgers too.  my brothers would bring friends home and my mom would feed all of us and the friends too. needless to say the kitchen was CROWDED.  my sister and i would wolf down our dinner and when it turned 7:00pm we would bolt for the den.  solid gold.  we were going to be solid gold dancers one day.  without question.  we enjoyed and we STUDIED the show.  the show worked for everyone - the youngsters were in the den while the adults could enjoy 'grown-up talk' in the kitchen.

Looney Tunes

this could have a gazillion sub-categories to it.  saturday morning cartoons.  weekday afternoons after school.  elmer fudd, bugs bunny, daffy duck, but also tom & jerry, and i loved mighty mouse.

(sidebar: i am smelling this character right now)

lester lightbulb taught me about electricity.  and special to my heart was captain bob - he was a sailor looking artist who had a drawing show and made me fall in love with art every saturday morning, at age eight or so.   

an honorable mention goes to this - loved it! and i often wonder if this one influenced me to become a history major in college?! 

what were you watching when you were 8 years old?

   

Rumblings...

We had some pretty unsettling weather today.  In the morning the sun was out, then BAM!, hail and blowing rain like I have not seen in years.  Luckily it was over as fast as it came and the sun shone on for the rest of the day. 

But what really made the world rumble under my office chair today were these two stories in the news. 

Leona Helmsley 

$8 billion to the welfare of dogs?  I'm a dog lover.  I know many of you out there are too....but $8 BILLION?!?!  I could almost say "yeah, okay" to $1 billion.  There are a number of abandoned dogs out there, many due to so many natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes and other disasters that cause dogs to be left behind. Unfortunately it doesn't even have to be a natural disaster to cause their homelessness. They need to be taken care of, and if someone wants to leave so much of their estate behind to aid in the care of these lost animals and their friends in shelters, I applaud it.  But I think this is a little over the top.  wow.  I'll be curious to see how this plays out.

Madonna and A-Rod

Why should it surprise me?  But it does.....SIGH.  I am really, really hoping it's just bad press and not true at all.  And, well okay - if she's going to go ahead and do this, does it have to be with a Yankee?  Then again, probably only a Yankee would do this - d'oh!

And since I am in a little bit of a snarky mood, I'll add one more - does there really need to be a press conference about Angelina giving birth to twins? I definitely wish them all the blessings, joys and health of newborn babies, but women are doing this every day, every hour, every minute all over the world.  geesh.  

And lastly...um, what was Cat Dealy wearing tonite? Anyone?

"It's love, it's love, it's love, it's lalalalalalove..."

A few things I love

1.) Mojito!

I would definitely be wearing just a tad bit more clothing than the girls in this, but I love this commercial.  I love the beat and I want to be dancing in this club!  The whole thing is just HOT!

2.) Mike Lowell, Third Baseman Boston Red Sox

Love watching him play, his book is on my summer reading list, and, well, here's his picture. 

Know what I mean?

3.) Brighams Ice Cream

mmmmm....good

4.) SYTYCD

Hit me!

I am going to go way out here and say that I don't particularly like the judges - sorry denise! But I love the guest choreographers - they are incredibly cool. Hence, my love for the show.

5.) The Beach

I could listen to this all day at work...I might try it.  My parents had a house on Cape Cod for years and late afternoon, after 4:00pm, was our favorite time for the whole family to go to the beach and set up for a couple of hours  - have this time, these sounds, many laughs, many great memories.  I miss our weekends down there more every year.  I cherish the years we had. 

BONUS:  For YouTube crazies like me, here's the link to the inspiration for the title.

Kick-Off

I went here last night to see this fantastic musician. It was a beautiful summer night, on Boston's waterfront. Stevie Nicks put on a great show. I have seen her three times and also once with Fleetwood Mac - she NEVER disappoints. True to form, she reached inside and shook hands with every emotion you could possibly feel.

Highlights: Stand Back - the opening number and a song I will NEVER tire of, Landslide - she dedicated to her Dad and had pictures of her with him from infancy through to when he passed two years ago, Edge of Seventeen - unbelievable percussion and drum intro to a fantastically fun song, Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You - closing number and very poignant with pics of American soldiers in service. She also did a cover of Dave Matthews "Crash". Pretty cool.

Her band has been with her for years and is sooo good. Two of her three back-up singers (what I'll be doing in my next life) have been with her since she began her solo career in 1979 - Lori Perry Nicks (her sister-in-law) and Sharon Celani. They are awesome.

I love live music. I love Stevie Nicks.

Next Up: July 27 George Michael. FREEDOM!

Wiffle-Ball

Pic courtesy of usmadetoys.com

One of the reasons I decided to jump into the blogging world is to learn a thing or two about myself as I observe, reflect and post about my happenings and the events surrounding me.

Today I learned something about myself.  I am no longer in my twenties. Logically, I should know that.  But I actually learned it today.

Wiffle-ball.  Great summertime fun.

To end our work conference today, we had a department BBQ and outing.  It was a fantastic conference, the weather was great all week and every one of us was ready to have a good time this afternoon.

About six weeks ago, the call went out for wiffle-ball players.  I cheerily, happily, excitedly signed up.  I love to play.  Good times, right?

It definitely was.  

My body is telling me "maybe not".  

"What was I thinking?", I asked yesterday as I looked around at the majority of twenty-somethings that make up the department.  It's one thing to goof around with friends.  But playing with work people adds a little bit of a different dynamic - you need to maintain your rep, right? Today - as the game approached - I went into panic mode and needed to visit the ladies room and give myself a pep-talk into the mirror.  I began hearing Eminem in my head.."palms sweaty...mom's spaghetti.....you better lose yourself in the moment -  you own it, you better never let it go, you only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow".

i felt better.

i played.

team came in second place ( 5-4, we had a great final inning rally).

i felt good - until i sat down.  me-oh my...i am clearly NOT in my twenties.  the mind says I am, the body is throbbing "um, no".

I am petrified to go to bed, dreading what i will feel like in the morning, considering I am throbbing now from the top of my head to the tips of my toes.  I am set up in front of the tube, watching the Sox (they are wearing green shirts to honor the Celts, the Celts will throw out the first pitch and are in attendance, woo!) and I may not be able to stand up until Sunday. If you choose to blog over the weekend, I will be RIGHT HERE, barely moving and more than likely, commenting.     

Small consolation: I did win the "Most Surprising Hidden Talent" award, so I guess that counts for something - 

BOOOO-Yeeaaaahhhhh.....owww....oooo. ooh.  ouch.

  

Icing On the Cake...

Just to round out and complete the circle of my previous post, i felt compelled to share this story.

Driving to work today, I noticed a Honda Pilot in front of me.  License plate looked familiar, stickers - yup...it was my close friend Cathy.  I give her a toot as we approach the rotary.  I get the looks in the rearview as well as the side mirrors (Jess - I thought of you and started to giggle).  We both exit the rotary at the same point, she sets up to take an immediate left.  I skooched by on the right and give the old "toot-toot...toot-toot-toot".  Sure enough, as I drive away I look in the mirror and see the peace sign.  

I almost had to pull over I was laughing so hard.  I called her on the cell and we both couldn't come up for air - she had recognized my car as i drove off into the distance.  She was so peeved at me that she was pulling into a small shopping lot to a.) get away from me and b.) drown herself in a Starbucks coffee to calm her nerves (??).

Ahh...hilarious good times.  Even my good friends pull road rage on me.  It's an epidemic.

P.S. The fact that Betsy had road rage while WALKING still has me in stitches.

Confession

I have it.  Not a lot.  Just a smidgen...but I have it.  Road Rage.

Okay - let's take it down a notch.  Maybe not rage...I believe the place I am at is road, um - perplexity. Yeah...that's it. It developed on local backroads, and doesn't really show itself while on major thruways.  For example, cruising up the road and a car is pulling out of its driveway...inching...rolling..."is he going to stop??"...rolling....now edging out..."Hey!"...inch...inch....inching out.  I know what you're thinking but, you see, I am from Boston - and so I don't technically slow down or stop. That would be too logical.  I just keep going and swerve AROUND the hood that is now hanging over the edge of the driveway (and still inching, mind you).  Then I keep driving, but yet manage to turn completely around in my seat, glare at the other driver and mumble "chowderhead"(translation: slang for a not so swift in the noggin local individual).

No - I don't have rage per se, just perplexity.  Now the dude in traffic next to me on Thursday? That dude had RAGE.  The inside of his car was completely torn apart during his rant. I think I saw seat foam in his mouth.  Beads of sweat appeared on my head as I tried to avoid looking at him while he ranted and raved next to me, leaning on his horn, jolting his car, not A SOUL able to move his or her vehicle.  Just love those peeps.  Ten minutes later I entered the parking lot and, as I circled and circled, I could still hear his horn blaring away while he inched along over there in traffic.  Poor guy.  I hope the lady in front of him stopped turning to LOOK at him, aggravating him more.  

Anyway - it was after seeing that poor guy that I knew I had road perplexity - and was thankful to discover my road meter is at a slow hum. Let's hope it stays there  :)

"Basketball is My Favorite Sport...

...I like the way they dribble up and down the court!" 

(Paying homage to Kurtis Blow - if you recognized that, you are way cool in my book  :) 

Good luck Boston Celtics...let's take it all in Game 6!