Happy New Year! Dad and I ushered in the new year with my cousin, Maribeth, her "hubby" and of course, Shubi, Fritz & Greta! MB made a delicious dinner of boiled lobster, carrot casserole & asparagas with apple crisp for dessert; of course, prior to and afterward we noshed on all sorts of yummy things: artichoke dip, clam dip, and lunch when we first arrived (a platter of liverwurst, tilseter cheese, salami, mozzerella & panchetta, with german bread called bauernbrot, fleishsalat, french onion soup & a platter of devilled eggs--yum!).

Of course, we had to drink a bit with this as well...a bit of sherry, a bit of rum & coke, a bit of mead & finally a bit of rosa regale. It also snowed a bit last night, not alot, just enough to look pretty and cover things. The town put on a fireworks show about 930 or so; It was a bit strange to watch fireworks thru the snow, but a nice experience overall!

MB and I sat on the couch for a bit (it was hard to get her to sit down, but I did it) and as she was flipping thru the channels, she came across Prisoner of Azkaban on tv, so of course we had to watch that...my last view of Snape in 2005, and what a good view it was!

I think I finally felt a bit old when I saw Dick Clark on the countdown; the "man who never grows old" recovering from a stroke did it. He did a great job, and it was very brave of him...someone who made/makes a living from talking, to have his speech taken from him, it was quite touching to see him there (yeah, I know it was prerecorded...still!).

Communication Breakdown - first song I heard in 2006...on tv, during the Patriots pre-game talk!!!

Hope you all had an entertaining New Year's Eve...have you broken any resolutions yet? ;-)

OH! And I forgot to say, I had my first ever Lush bath last night! Bollywood bath bomb, in the jacuzzi, with a People magazine and a nice drink...sigh...

Went into Boston today with a sneezing, noseblowing Megan, poor thing! We walked thru Boston Common (in hopes of seeing the ice sculptures from New Year's Eve, but they'd been knocked down...so sad) on the way to Lush, where we both got a free gift for spending more than $45. Here's what I got:

Bath Bombs (4)

Youki-hi (jasmine, ylang ylang, cypress and palmarosa): Our Chinese New Year celebration Ballistic is named after one of the world's three most beautiful women ever, a Chinese woman called Youki-Hi, according to Japanese tradition. It has a gloriously sensual, jasmine flower fragrance and is regally decorated with gold sparkles and red sea salt in the colours of Chinese dragons which dance along the street for new year parades.

Sex Bomb (lavender, jasmine, ylang ylang): Clary sage essential oil, as well as being a reputed aphrodisiac, helps you to keep a balanced viewpoint and a clear mind. However, the Sex bomb is not just for nights out; it makes a wonderful start to a quiet night in.

Black Pearl: A dark, a mysterious Bath Bomb named in honour of Captain Jack Sparrow's ship in Pirates of the Caribbean. It's studded with crystals of sea salt and scented with lavender and blackcurrant. Inside each one is a wise saying. [oh, you know I just HAD to get this one!]

Hot Java (ginger, cinnamon, juniperberry): Jump into a Hot Java bath every time you need warming up. It's for cold days or days when you.ve got a cold or when you.ve been out in the cold and need warming up right through. It's good for when you're feeling creaky after exercising too. Run a warm bath, drop in the Hot Java and let the spices soak right in. Powdered cinnamon is traditionally used to relieve aches, ylang ylang relaxes your muscles and juniper berry oil is said to help relieve stiff joints. A week in the tropics would be lovely but a Hot Java will do nicely.

Bubble Bars (2)

Bathos: Bubbly Bathos is made with some of most sensual, relaxing essential oils on the planet - violet leaf, rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, bergamot, clove and lots of green glitter. Don't put one of these in the bath in the morning on a workday. Save it for later.

Ruby Red Slippers: This bubble bar has a the beautiful scent of rose and carnation (our Potion [oooh, potion!] fragrance) and a trail of sparkling red twinkles. Do not delay, order yours before they click their heels and disappear. [this one was my freebie]

Luxury Bath Melts (2)

Elixir: It's blue and sparkly! The Elixir is the bar to melt into your bath on mornings when your mind is a little sluggish and your body is trailing behind it. It warms and revives you with ginger essential oil and refreshes you with cardamon, which is said to help to clear confusion from your brain. Neroli, that powerful - and expensive - natural wonder of an essential oil, is said to help relieve headaches and stop you yawning and also soothes highly emotional states.

Ceridwen's Cauldron: Named after the Welsh sorceress from ancient mythology, works magic on your skin when you drop it into the bath tub, which is as close as most of us get to a cauldron. Each melt, wrapped in a square of muslin, contains more skin softeners than you can shake a wand at, including sandalwood, rose, walnut oil and cocoa butter. As your bath melt melts, the whole oats are caught in the muslin bag and the idea is that you then wash your body all over with this little pack of scented porridge, traditionally used to lighten the skin and gentle enough for all skin types. This is not your common or garden bathing experience; think of a Ceridwen's Cauldron bath as a modern day ritual to soften the skin.

We then walked down Newbury Street a bit further before deciding to head for the Pru Mall. Stopped for a bite to eat there and then walked down to Rickart (French chocolate store) where amazingly enough I ended up not buying a thing (still have a 2 pound box of See's chocolates at home). We wandered about, stopping to take pictures in front of some gigantic gold christmas ball ornaments and walked and walked and window shopped and walked (it was just the right temp for long walks outside). Finally we headed back to the T and home.

Now I'm going to relax in a Lush bath and retire to my bed for the evening, where I'll try to psyche myself up to go to work tomorrow...sigh...

***UPDATED***

Don't you just love winter in New England?

If what's happened so far in 2006 is any indication, technology is going to be somewhat of a fickle friend. I don't know if any of you had noticed, but Yahoo was a little wonky for the first few days of the new year (the problem seems to have been fixed today). I decided to make the switch to Gmail, set up a new account...and today Gmail decided to act wonky! Also today I wrote a nice long entry in my blog...and the computer froze. Oh well!

Let's see if I can remember what all I was talking about:

I've still not cryed about my Mom's death...but reading this entry today brought me close. My friend Mo said I better do it soon or it's going to happen at the most inopportune time...but hell, most things in my life have happened at inopportune times, so why change now?

Money has been flowing thru my fingers like martinis into my mouth lately. Case(s) in point: two xxxdirty martinis at Top of the Hub yesterday set me back $32 (with tip); I recently bought a Coach holiday patchwork wristlet and a new iPod (30 GB); it's black and plays videos and movies, stores pictures, has a CALENDAR and comes complete with 6 Harry Potter audio books and all 3 movies. Wooohooo! That wasn't the selling point though...this was:

Traveling with your digital camera? Leave all those extra memory cards at home. The optional iPod Camera Connector lets you shoot all day, then transfer the pictures from your camera to your iPod, where you can view them immediately.

Thank you, Apple!

I saw a link on Yahoo today about finding yoga classes ... and found a place in a nearby town that sounds quite interesting! I've been thinking of taking Reiki classes, and this place offers them...and the price isn't too bad. They also offer a Thai Yoga Bodywork that is of interest to me and is defined on the website as:

physical/spiritual meditation in action. In each session, I place a recipient in a series of yoga postures and stretch and move her/him, rhythmically. As a practitioner of this beautiful, traditional massage, I use a variety of techniques to facilitate a balanced flow, or streaming, of vital energy throughout the body. Each assisted yoga massage is addressed to the individual needs of a client. I pay careful attention to the physical abilities and limitations of each person, as well as to personal boundaries. My aim in this practice is to evoke a state of vibrant, deep release from stress, i.e., a sense of peace and wellness.

Bloglines isn't updating some of the blogs I read at all...and when I realize, hey, gee I haven't read so-and-so lately there's quite a few posts to catch up with. So if I haven't been commenting on your blog much lately and suddenly you get tons of comments from me, that's why!

Anyway, I think that was it...if anything else pops into my brain I'll be SURE to let you lucky things know :-)

"One out of four people in this country is mentally unbalanced. Think of your three closest friends; if they seem OK, then you're the one." ~ Ann Landers [my friends are all crazy, so that's a relief]

I was tagged by Colleen, a former Masshole (not that she is that, in any sense of the word!) who made the move to VA (as I did) but ended up staying:

Four jobs I've had in my life: A dog & cat groomer, cashier at an AF base commissary, secretary to a 3-star general, helper in a bagel shop

Four movies I could watch over and over: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, The Ghost & Mrs. Muir, Forrest Gump

Four places I've lived: Lowell, MA, numerous times with numerous roommates/boyfriends. Aurora, CO with my first ex husband. Fussa, Japan with my second ex husband. Newport News, VA where I met he who must not be named.

Four TV shows I love to watch: Lost certainly leads the pack, 24 is back on 1/15 and I'm looking forward to it, I also like Supernatural (nice eye candy AND scary stuff) & Medium.

Four places I've been on vacation: Paris, which I expected to not like at all and fell in love with; Edinburgh, which I expected to fall in love with and did; Oahu, where I got to see an old friend from Japan AND each morning, walk across the street from my hotel to a walkway that jutted out into the ocean, sipping my coffee and having my morning spam musubi; and Otaru in Hokkaido, which reminded me of Boston at a time when I was extremely homesick.

Four websites I visit daily: Bloglines, so I can check up on all my favorite blog reads; MoveableType; Google; Gmail.

Four of my favorite foods: Macaroni & cheese, fresh salad with lots of ingredients, pizza, salt & vinegar chips

Four places I'd rather be: Out in the woods with the dogs on a long, long walk; at a warm beach soaking up the sun; having a massage; wandering the streets of Tokyo.

Four albums I can't live without: Albums, eh? Well, I don't listen to my albums anymore, but when I did, here are four I could listen to til the cows came home: The White Album by The Beatles just blew me away; First Time Out by James Montgomery (a local Boston band), Private Lightning by Private Lightning (another Boston band, now defunct), which featured a song called Physical Speed that struck a resounding chord with me; and The Slider by T-Rex.

Four people I'm tagging if they want to be caught: My cousins Maribeth & Melodie, Watergirl & EtherealGirl! Have fun, girls! Mel, you can just do yours in my comments :-)

I went to the gym tonight! I picked Krista up, she held my hand (figuratively speaking) and off we went. I've missed the grunts, the noise, the smell. Yeah, I'm a liar. But, well, actually there weren't any bad smells and I didn't hear even one grunt, thankfully.

My trusty iPod was there for me, I got into an audio book (ok, yeah, it was The Half Blood Prince, so?) and off I went, 30 minutes on the tread, alternating walking and running (slow run) and 15 minutes on the bike, then some stretching.

The worst part of the whole experience? Was getting my picture taken, I can only IMAGINE how ... oh I can't say that anymore.

Now that I'm over the hurdle of actually going in and DOING it, well...I think I can I think I can I think I can...

Thanks, K!!!

1. OceanLady
2. Megan
3. Mo
4. Heather
5. Lauren
6. Running2Ks
7. Colleen
8. Uisce
9. Megan the Elder
10. A mom and her blog

My friend, MaryEllen, has decided to start speaking Tonguian; she says, in the Tonguian language there are no such words as:

Stress
Assholes
Spouses
Work
Children
Broken down cars

And other assorted words that will be added as needed

She also says that the neatest thing about Tonguian is that it has a lot of phrases that begin with:

For me? (formay)
Why thank you! (ooo)
You shouldn't have, but thank you. (aw-ooo)
Another gift? (yesh)

She adds that these are common and very easy to say.

What do you think of my friend's new language?

Here are Megan's Friday Questions, the first batch of 2006:

1. What did you do for New Year's Eve?
2. Did you make any resolutions?
3. If you had to change your domain name, what would you change it to?
4. What was one thing on your wishlist that you didn't get for Christmas but you wish you had?
5. If you could be granted just one non-monetary wish (for yourself; so world peace doesn't count) what would it be? [Thanks Michelle!]
6. Full day at a spa (manicure, pedicure, facial, massage, hair cut and color, waxing etc.) or $750 cash. Which do you take? [Thanks Michelle!]
7. What's your creative outlet? [Thanks Heather!]
8. What was the last thing you dreamed? [Thanks Krista!]
9. What was the last nice thing someone did for you? [Thanks Krista!]
10. What are your plans for the weekend?

1. I spent New Year's Eve at my cousin's house with her husband, their 3 dogs, my Dad and my two dogs. We ate and drank and talked and watched fireworks and I took a Lush bath!

2. Yup!

3. Hmmm...seeing as how I recently DID change my domain name, I'll use that: fondofsnape.com

4. The camera!!!

5. That everyone I know could experience true happiness.

6. $750, easy! Then I could buy the purse I REALLY want!

7. Photography, by a mile.

8. I dreamed about he who must not be named.

9. Holding my hand so I'd go to the gym.

10. Getting my hair done tonight, then going to the gym. Sat, I'm meeting with someone at a monument company to pick out a stone for Mom's grave, going to the gym, walking the dogs, paying bills and who knows what else. Sun, walking the dogs, the gym and I'll do whatever I didn't finish Saturday.

Have a great weekend, y'all!!!

Three searches that brought folks to my site so far this month and made me laugh:

- is robert plant still married: LOL...this one just struck me as funny
- hate snape site: um...sorry, I'm FOND of Snape...or Sevvie as I like to call him, who btw, will be turning 46 in a few days...wonder what I could conjure up for him? :-)
- premiere lord of the rings robert plant: I would love to know if he saw the LOTR trilogy and what he thought about the movies! Robert? Care to tell me?

I'm trying to figure out whether to just go to the gym, or go to the mall first to look for a purse? handbag? thing to put all my stuff in? and then the gym...hmmm...decisions, decisions...

I was SO happy to read that Charles Laquidara will be heard again on Boston radio!!! Starting some time in February, he'll be on WBOS (92.9FM) 9am to 10am, Monday thru Friday. During each show, he'll be playing his favorite 9 album cuts from a certain year. If I'm not mistaken, he was a big Zeppelin fan, so yeah. Finally, some radio worth listening to!

I. can. NOT. wait!!!

Seriously, this guy opened my eyes musically by introducing me to so many songs I'd never have heard otherwise. Man, the nights my friends and I spent partying, or just staying up talking and talking, figuring out all the secrets to the universe, right thru to sunrise and then Charles would come on and play some weird stuff and we'd...um...well, we'd listen, yeah, that's what we'd do, curled up around Andrea's pool, or some guy's front yard, or on the beach, or just riding around in the car. I started listening to him in 1972...and somehow, I just thought he'd be there forever. Then he broke my heart and retired and compounded the broken heart with a little jealousy, as he moved to Hawaii (lucky bastid).

sigh...welcome back, Chuck!

woke up
showered
picked out headstone
got my new iPod, OH BOY!!!
worked out
showered
Brokeback Mountain (see it!!! OMG go see this movie, WOW!!!)
Grendel's
walked around Harvard Sq. (Lush isn't open yet, and Apple is over at the stupid mall), brrr, cold, need a warm drink...
back to Grendel's
home

Sam Adams Winter Ale
rum & coke
a "ned"
dirty martini
sangria
something else...
tequila shot
honey liquer & hot apple cider

I can't remember what I'm forgetting ***it was a glass of sherry or port***

and no hangover...a good thing, I think, or not...

My movie/dinner/drinks companion!

our bartender

our "sign"

yummy tequila shot!

Severus Snape - January 9, 1960

For your entertainment:

This picture cracked me up!!!

I don't generally care for drawings of characters, but I thought this one was quite beautiful!!!

And this, well, this never fails to make me laugh!

Finally, a little test: What Wildly Out-of-Character Fanfic Snape Are You?

My results:

Hey, you're not OOC (out of character) at all! You are ... Canon Snape! You have the dubious honor of being the ugly, sarcastic, greasy git so many of us know and love. Regardless of whether you're in a het, slash, or gen fic, you are the detention-giving bastard who would never even dream of cuddling a fluffy bunny rabbit or wearing purple leather. Even if you do something that seems OOC, your writer is good enough to explain it so that it seems believable. Unfortunately, it's fairly rare to find you in fanfiction, but for those authors who write you... Ten points to Slytherin!

I finally had the chance to check out my new iPod in more detail this morning...it had a surprise in it-a video, Fat Boy Slim's Weapon of Choice!!! I LOVE this video, I LOVE Christoper Walken!

So far, I've been able to get to the gym every other day and I'm really enjoying it. The iPod makes it more enjoyable and gives me the push I need to keep going. I'm still embarrassed to look at anyone, afraid they'll laugh and say what's the point, but mostly I push that out of my mind.

I found out this morning It's possible I'll have a little surprise for my friend MaryEllen Tuesday night...we'll see.

Yesterday I went out to breakfast with Dad, love the Owl Diner! After that I did some stuff around the house, played with the dogs and then set off for Boston, to meet Michelle at the Ritz for high tea. That was her Christmas present to me, and boy was it nice. I know I don't seem like the Ritz "type" but I'm comfortable there...it brings me back to childhood; my grandmother was into those sorts of things. We hit the bar downstairs afterwards and scored a table by the window, overlooking Boston Common. Nice, nice, nice...Michelle ruined it all by throwing a wasabi pea at me, tho! Can you imagine?!!! (joking!!! I'm JOKING, Michelle-|||, dude!)

I saw this guy in Red Eye and thought he was more than a bit creepy. Then I saw him in Breakfast on Pluto and thought he was just the most adorable thing ever. He's up for a Golden Globe for his work in Breakfast on Pluto, against Johnny Depp, come to think of it, for Willy Wonka. Hmmm...

Borrowed from Running2Ks:

1. What is the theme song of your life? HA. Um...the theme of Medium, I guess.

2. What celebrity would play you in the movie version of your life? Bette Midler/Barabara Streisand

3. If your life was a late night talk show, who would guest host on your vacation days? No one. I'd have repeats.

4. If your life was a game show, what sort of prizes would you offer? The choice to make two choices and then two more choices and then two more choices, til you went away and I got to keep the prize.

5. If your life was a talk show and you could have any band be your permanent band, what band would it be? Hmmm...tough one...NOT! Led Zeppelin, of course!

6. Again, your life is a TV talk show and the producers said you can have on any four guests you want tonight, alive or dead, past or present. Who do you pick? I really like the folks Running2Ks picked! Those were some great choices. I guess I'd pick Ruth Gordon, Helen Hayes, Malcolm X and the Dalai Lama.

7. Your life is going to do an episode "on location"...to where? Japan, of course!

8. They are making the movie of your life--what director and / or screenwriter do you want to have attached to the project? Peter Jackson, hands down. He'd be faithful to the details.

9. They told you you can be a "guest" on any current or past TV show, one episode only--what TV show do you choose to appear on? I'd like to be Sawyer's love interest on Lost, please.

10. They told you they have the power to make a sequel to your favorite movie that does not already have a sequel--what movie do you choose? Can I look into the future and say it's the last Harry Potter movie I'd like to see a sequel to?

Have you ever said something that hurt someone's feelings and you had no idea about it til later? Has anyone ever told you the only way they know you're drunk is when you're snarkier than usual?

Both these things happened to me this past weekend. It makes me want to go hide in a dark place. And I don't know why.

I hate when people say to me they think "I'm pretty" or "I'm smart" or whatever. I hate those conversations, I hate even talking about it here cause of course people that care about you are going to say those things. What are they going to say, the truth? Course not. I know the truth.

big sigh

Ok, here's my assignment for you people. Megan wants me to write a blurb about myself for my new photography venture...I'm having a hard time with it (shocking).

If you had to write a descriptive paragraph about yourself for such a venture, what would you say?

Write me a paragraph, eh? Help!

Anyone miss me?

If you get the chance to see Les Miserables at the National Theater in Washington, DC, DO SO! Fantastic, and I'm not really one for musicals. I especially liked Master of the House, the Inn Keeper's song, he was wicked funny.

The only thing I didn't like what the bratty teen sitting in front of us, flipping her hair up, strethcing her arms to the ceiling not once, not twice, but 11 times (on the 11th time, I tapped her on the shoulder and said, "You probably don't realize this, but it's very distracting for those of us sitting behind you when you do that." She rolled her eyes, and her Mommy said "What did that mean woman say to you, honey??? all the while giving me the evil eye, so I killed her...oh wait, that part was my daydream. I get my daydreams confused with reality all the time ;-)

Anyway, it was great, I loved it and many thanks to my friend MaryEllen (ME) and her husband Dan for allowing me the opportunity. See you Saturday, ME!

Awhile back I had a falling out with a friend and we decided to stop speaking. for. ever. Well, I'm one who forgets just how pissed off I was (and it's usually with damn good reason that I do get pissed off, or at least STAY pissed off), so while I was browsing thru some old entries from fondofelves, I came across a poem she'd written about me. I decided I'd email her the poem, tell her about my Mom passing away and tell her I missed her. This is the reply I got:

I'm very sorry to hear about your mom. I said a prayer for her and your family. However, please don't ever contact me again.

the tag line on her email was this: There's more than 1 way to eat a Reeses!!

To tell you the truth, I was quite glad to get this email from her. It confirms that my initial decision to end our friendship was spot on, I need to learn not to get sentimental about these things and just go on.

Thank you all for your great suggestions (!!!) about the blurb I need to write. My mother's memorial service is this Sunday at 2, which I really just can't talk about here or even think about or I won't get thru it. Many thanks to all my friends & cousin-friends for their help; we'll make this a celebration of Mom's life rather than a somber affair, or so I hope. Next week I have to prepare in earnest for an inspection at work at the end of the month, but after the inspection, I'm going to give my full attention to the blurb and to getting my photography business up and running.

Found at etherealgirl:

***Your Life Path Number is 5***

Your purpose in life is to live freely and collect experiences. [I like this purpose]

You love life - new adventures, new people, new ideas. [usually]
You are very curious, and you crave novelty in all forms. [um...yesssss]
You tend to make friends easily, and you enjoy the company of all types of people. [I don't know about the first part, but I do enjoy all types]

In love, you are fun and even a bit intoxicating. But you won't stick around for long. [hmmm...could be true, now that I look back on it]

You are impulsive and spontaneous - which sometimes leads you to do things you regret. [hells yeah!]
Sometimes you can be overindulgent with food, sex, or drugs. [ditto!]
You have many talents, so many that you are often scattered and unfocused. [again, I don't know about the first part but definitely the second part]

What Is Your Life Path Number?

courtesy of Megrim:

1. Do you lie about your age? Why? [Thanks ME!]
2. How many resolutions have you broken so far? [Thanks ME!]
3. What's your best attitude adjuster? [Thanks ME!]
4. Do you have any vacation plans this year? Where are you going? [Thanks Sky!]
5. I'm looking to buy a new purse...what would you recommend to me? [Thanks Janet!]
6. Nail polish or au natural? do it yourself or manicures? [Thanks Liz!]
7. What was the last thing you searched for on the computer? [Thanks !]
8. Whats your fav go to recipe, ya know the kind thats good and tasty everytime? [Thanks Liz!]
9. Tea or coffee, and how do you like it? [Thanks Liz!]
10. Some people always feel cold in bed and others are always hot...which are you? do you sleep with lots of covers, or just one? [Thanks Liz!]
11. What are your plans for the weekend?

1. LOL, no, but I probably should.
2. I only made one, and I think I've bent it a few times, but not completely broken it.
3. A dose of FOTR, HP POA, the beach, or a walk in the woods.
4. Yup! I just went to DC for a too short vacation, I'm going on a cruise the end of February, possibly Buffalo in March, DC again in April, Toronto & then Albany NY in May, and who knows where else.
5. Eileen found one for me and while it's bigger than what I was looking for, I really like it.
6. Fingernails: usually natural, with a little sparkle; toenails: any color goes!
7. Julie's work phone number!
8. Beef stew in the winter, lemon linguine in the summer.
9. I like them both, and I'm happy drinking either of them black or with milk & equal or sweet n low or splenda (or fancy little brown rock sugar at the Ritz)
10. I'm always hot, I like to have a foot sticking out, unless it's really REALLY cold outside.
11. Tonight: chiro, then cleaning & doing some shopping; Saturday: Picking up ME at the airport, cooking, dinner w/Julie; Sunday: Mom's memorial service, taking ME back to the airport.

Friday the 13th, a full moon, VERY bizarre warm weather and almost exactly a month since Mom passed. We're having her memorial service this Sunday.

Our family is small; Mom had two brothers, one of whom had 2 children. The children he had are estranged from his side of the family (altho I did send a card to his son, who I vaguely rememb. The other brother didn't marry til he was 60 and never had children. Dad was an only child; his mother had two sisters. One sister had two children, Auntie Rosa and Uncle Bob. The other sister married into a well to do family and wanted nothing further to do with her sisters. Auntie Rosa had 3 kids with her husband, Uncle Jim: Dickie, Melodie & Maribeth. This was the side of the family I'm closest to. Dickie has passed on, but Maribeth (even tho I misspelled her name in the program for the memorial service, she's going to KILL me) and Mel are a big part of my life. Uncle Bob, who was married to Aunt Cinny, both passed away, had two children, Carl & Erica. Carl is deceased (our family wasn't too lucky with it's males); Erica, called Rikki, is coming to the memorial service and I haven't seen her in a good 10 years. Dickie, Mel, Maribeth, Carl & Rikki also had children; my brother and I are the only slackers who didn't, much to my mother's chagrin...she wanted more than anything to be a grandmother.

So anyway, those are my thoughts tonight.

Mom's memorial service was perfect yesterday.

Backstory: My friend, MaryEllen (ME), flew into Manchester Saturday morning, I picked her up, we went shopping and commenced to cooking. She made 5 pounds of meatballs in sauce, and italian sausages with pepper and onions. While she was working her fingers to the bone, I made veggie dip, clam dip & onion dip, sliced 8 green peppers and chopped one clove of garlic. The cold cuts (1.5 pounds each of rosemary ham, maple turkey, roast beast, 3/4 pound each of german bologna and genoa salami and 3/4 pound each of baby swiss, mild provolone & american cheddar) we decided to roll Sunday morning, along with setting up the veggie tray, pickles, chips, etc. We finished in time to check ME into the hotel, chill out for 15 minutes and then head to Julie's house to see her baby and go out to dinner. Another friend, Maureen (Mo), checked into the hotel just as we finished up dinner, so we dropped Julie off and headed back. After talking for awhile, I went home, to NOT sleep, altho that surely wasn't in my plans. I did fall asleep around 4 am and woke up at 910 am to snow, ice and lots of wind. Did I say it was a balmy, calm 57 degrees the day before?

I was supposed to pick up ME and Mo at the hotel at 930; didn't get there til almost 11. I forgot I'd told Julie we'd be at the church at 1130 (altho in my own defense, I'm never on time even in the most optimal conditions); we saw her in the center of town as we were on our way to the florist, grocery store & card store and said we'd be right there. We arrived 45 minutes later; naturally, she was annoyed, especially as nearly the same thing happened the day before (she was to meet up at the church, we were 1/2 hour late, and she went back home as she had the baby in the car with her).

Once we got there, we started working, getting out the platters, arranging some greens on them, rolling the cold cuts, making everything look good. And by we I mean ME, Mo, Aislinn, Krista, Maribeth, Julie and my brother. I think I wasn't much help at all at this point, except the one time I made everyone laugh when I looked in the kitchen, saw my friend Mo & my brother Larry in there working and said, "There's Mo & Larry...where's Curly?". Lots of people started drifting in and the choir had a quick practice in the hall adjacent to the kitchen.

I left to go home and change about 1:20 and when I got back it was pretty much time to go sit for the service. My father, brother and I sat in the first pew; next to me was Maribeth. Behind us was the rest of the family and behind them were my friends. I wished so much I could turn around and see everyone, but I didn't.

The hymns and music chosen were all unfamiliar to me, except for "Amazing Grace", which they did in a gospel style. The choir, which consists of maybe 18-20 people swelled to about 30, accommodating all the members that had moved away, but wanted to sing for my mother. One of those folks sang solo during one of the songs, and what an amazing voice he had. They sang "Just a Closer Walk With Thee", "Lonesome Valley", "People Need the Lord" and "The Old Rugged Cross". Not a note out of place and Mom's friend, Carolyn, played the organ flawlessly.

The minister shared with me the draft of his reflections Saturday night; I only asked him to change one thing, which he did. His Liturgist started out the service, and did the scripture readings, which she did well.

My brother got up and spoke, which was very, very hard for him as he was extremely close to Mom, but he contained his emotions and spoke beautifully, as did my cousin, who was up after him. It was an honor to listen to the wonderful things they had to say. The third speaker was Mom's choir partner; at the start of his speech, he said: Betty teased me all the time in life, and even from the grave she got a last laugh--when I opened the program and saw my name listed as speaker!

Towards the very end of the service my friends, who will be known as the kitchen fairies from now on, got up to make sure things were ready back in the hall. Seriously, without them, I'd've been lost. They did everything from setting up to cleaning up to ensuring everyone had signed the guest book. ME was the master arranger; her troops included Maureen, Aislinn, Krista, Maribeth, Julie, Megan, Jim, Diana, Diane. It was amazing to me how well they all worked together, how they just got done what needed to be done, seemlessly and with a smile.

My brother and I stood and greeted everyone as they came into the hall after the service, and almost everyone had a funny story to tell about Mom. I heard 3 spitball stories, and one woman, who used to work with my mother, said that she and Mom used to say that their kids were never boring and enabled them to lead very exciting lifes (an aside to how bad my brother and I and apparently this woman's children were as kids LOL).

It was so nice to see all these people come out in the cold, wintry weather to say good bye to Mom. I loved being able to see my non-blogging cousin, Mel, Auntie Rosa, cousin Rikki, and some of Mom's old friends; Mrs. B & her family, the Clarks, Mrs. Holloway & her daughter, the Taylors, and even Mr. Risher, who I hadn't seen since I was 12 and who looked exactly the same (he was the one person in line that said remember me? and I did).

Things started to wind down about 430 or so, and by 5 the hall was clean, everything was packed up and Megan & Jim took me out for dinner, thankfully, cause I hadn't eaten anything all day, except for a carrot here or a piece of a red velvet whoopie pie there. I think I had an anise cookie, too, oh, and Pat filled up a coffee cup with a Bailey's-like drink and said, while I was in the line, here's your "special" coffee...I thought it was coffee and took a big sip...OOH!

One of the things people kept saying to me, my newer friends in particular, was that they wished they'd known my Mom, that she sounded like an amazing woman...and she was.

Then I went home, Dad thanked me for making the day special, but really it wasn't me, I couldn't have done any of it without a LOT of help from my friends!

Took this shot at the WWII Memorial when I went to DC last week. Funny how the sky mirrored the granite. While there, I decided I'd take Dad down in the springtime, he was in WWII and would love to see the Memorial. I'd like it to be when the cherry trees are in bloom, but we'll see.

As I said to Megan yesterday, I ... oh, crap, I said I wasn't going to talk about work here. Ok. Um...

Hmmm...well, sleep's been eluding me lately. Nothing definite keeping me awake...it's a bit frustrating.

I ordered a xxdirty vodka martini tonight; I received a vodka & gin martini. Figured it was a sign from Mom, so I drank it anyway (she loved gin, I hate it; still, maybe she wanted to enjoy one thru me...*shrugs*).

There's a bunch of movies out I want to see: King Kong, Casanova, Narnia, Good Night and Good Luck, & Cache (Hidden) to name but a few. Anyone want to go?

Quickie: Clean up a space you use often -- your car, desk, bedroom. Clutter is distracting. [ha]

Overview: Partner up with someone, and you might just see those pipe dreams become reality before you know it. Sometimes all you need is a sympathetic ear to spark your sense of inspiration and direction. [ha ha]

Daily extended (by Astrology.com)
Escaping from the world is one of the things that you love best, especially when your antennae tell you that it's definitely time. If you're especially eager to get home, ask the powers that be for a few hours off and head out early. Get into your comfiest clothes and whip up one of those wonderful meals you've always been able to prepare in no time flat. Pop in your favorite video and put your feet up. There. Talk about heaven on earth! [ha ha ha]

If only, sigh...if only

I came home to find 3 guys with chain saws (blocking the driveway, I might add) cutting up the tree into manageable chunks. When I asked him how much he was taking, he said Dad had agreed he could have half of it.

Seriously, what a dick. You know he's selling it...taking money away from an 82 year old. Nice.

Hmmm...if the tree was on HIS property, how come WE had to rake all the leaves???

Oh well...

The old Ash

The old Chestnut next door

Ash smile, inside

courtesy of Megan:

1. If you have a full-time salary paid job and are expected to work at least 40 hours each week, many hours do you really work.. more or less? [Thanks Jimbo!]
2. Which way does your toilet paper roll? Forward or backward? [Thanks MB!]
3. Whats your favorite candy? pick only one. [Thanks Liz!]
4. What book are you reading right now? [Thanks Liz!]
5. Are you jealous of anyone? [Thanks Liz!]
6. Laundry...do you sort it into colors and groups or just throw whatever in? [Thanks Liz!]
7. What smelly candle is your favorite? Do you have one that you just don't like one bit? [Thanks Liz!]
8. What is your best feature? [Thanks Liz!]
9. What are your plans for the weekend?

1. Oh, 40, absolutely! It'd be unfair and immoral to work less than what one is paid for!
2. Depends on how I or Dad puts it on the roll...we're easy, flexible and we have more important things to worry about than how the damn TP is put on it's roller.
3. Chocolate covered caramels, preciousssss...preferably See's.
4. The Love Wife by Gish Jen
5. Hmmm...I'm jealous of all the people that live in the Hawaiian islands...
6. Dude, you HAVE to sort it, else your whites'll turn pink or whatever!
7. I bought a Henri Bendel candle, Firewood scent, yesterday at Bath & Body Works, on SALE! I love that, but my absolute favorite is Autumn Lodge by Yankee Candle. It's discontinued tho...*sob*
8. No idea; you tell me.
9. Getting some exercise for Wolf, that's my TOP priority! Possibly doing something with Pat tomorrow, if only just to return her crockpot and exchange Christmas presents, maybe a movie with Krista Sunday. I'm in avoidance mode right now. Ideally? I'd like to spend the weekend seeing some movies, just me, a diet coke & some popcorn. Any one that wants to join me, give me a call!

We have [insert sarcasm now] lovely new fluorescent lights at work; makes everyone look like they have a sunburn...or maybe they DO have a sunburn from the high intensity! It hurts, turn it OFF! I'm bringing a lamp in, screw this!

A coworker had an extra Lost calender and gave it to me...wasn't that nice of her? And here I thought she didn't like me!

I saw this cool meme on Monique's blog yesterday, so I did a search on my name, leaving the results as a comment...then I saw the same meme on Watergirl's blog...and I did a search on Severus Snape:

1. Poor Sevvie...or should I saw poor Sevvie's sexual partner
2. Eeeeewwwwww GROSS!
3. LOL, ooh what an image!
4. Who knew a ferret and I would have similar problems.
5. AHAHAHAHAHAH!!! *snort*
6. Slurp!
7. Or while drinking heavily...
8. Flaming Severus...sounds like a drink I'd like!
9. *snort* ROFLMAO!
10. I'm movin' to IOWA!!!

Took Dad out for breakfast, picked up the dogs and went to Salisbury. What a beautiful day! 60 degrees, warm and sunny...what's wrong with this? Oh, it's January...hmmm...I'm starting to wonder what summer is going to be like!

Anyway, here's a cute shot of the dogs:

Later on, met Michelle at Kendall Sq; we saw Casanova and boy was it good! Heath Ledger was fantastic, as was Oliver Platt, but the unexpected funny guy was Casanova's manservant...ROFLMAO!

After the movie, we went to dinner at a place I frequently go to after a movie at Kendall, but cause I'm gonna bitch about the place, I won't name it (it's never been a bad experience before).

We ordered a pizza, red, with spinach, feta & mushrooms; he brings white, rather, the runner brings white. We wait and wait for the waiter to tell him we ordered red; he never shows, so we ask a passing waitress for some tomato sauce. Takes awhile, but finally she brings it. The bowl it's in is hot; the sauce is cold. Ok, whatever. Finally our original waiter stops by to ask if everything is ok; we explain what happened and he says...but I put in an order for red (i.e., it's not my fault!!!). We shrug, go on with the meal. I ask for water, he forgets but does bring Michelle a refill on her iced tea. Finally, he brings water after Michelle reminds him. Then, when it's apparent we're done, he clears our table...and brings the check! No asking if we wanted anything else or anything. Michelle says, oh thanks, but we'd like dessert. He says, oh sorry and brings the dessert menu. We order the special, mango brulee. We wait...and wait...and wait...and after 10 minutes another runner drops off the brulee...no carmelized sugar on top, basically, a dish of custard...which didn't taste very good at all. He nicely took that off the bill...but never a word of apology about getting the pizza wrong (whether his fault or the kitchen's, just say sorry at least). I was kind of embarrassed cause I'd said this place was great, and it was Michelle's first time there. Oh well, the pint of scotch was good!

...not really a pint of scotch, rather scotch ale ;-)

And then on the way home, I stopped to get Dad some orange juice ... and spied this:

The description: Naturally sweetened Chocolate Pearl Shaped Cereal with Pirate Shaped Marshmallows...ROFLMAO!

How was your Saturday?

Seen at Counting Sheep

Total number of tracks in iTunes - 440

Sort by song title
First song: 20th Century Man - The Kinks
Last song: Your Smile - Shanice

Sort by time
Shortest song: 1:42 Eruption - Van Halen
Longest song: 11:08 I Heard It Thru The Grapevine - Creedence Clearwater Revival

Sort by artist
First: 2 Live Crew
Last: ZZ Top

Sort by album
First: 1980s Dance
Last: Violent Femmes - Deluxe Edition

10 most played songs
1. The Ocean - Led Zeppelin
2. Over The Hills And Far Away - Led Zeppelin
3. Ramble On - Led Zeppelin
4. Misty Mountain Hop - Led Zeppelin
5. Semi-Charmed Life - Third Eye Blind
6. September - Earth, Wind & Fire
7. Dancing Days - Led Zeppelin
8. Fool in the Rain Led Zeppelin
9. You Better You Bet - The Who
10. Rock and Roll - Led Zeppelin

First five songs that come up on Party Shuffle
1. Out Of My Mind - James Blunt
2. Poor Poor Pitiful Me - Warren Zevon
3. Delirious - Prince
4. Have You Ever Seen The Rain - Creedence Clearwater Revival
5. Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp - Led Zeppelin

Number of search returns for:
sex: 3
love: 19
you: 29
death: 0
hate: 0
wish: 2

I got to see Narnia today! Having never read the book(s), I had no preconceived notions of how it should be and I totally enjoyed it! I loved the bat people, so freaky. I was a bit late, but made it before the previews started (luckily, cause I finally got to see the POTC2 preview, sigh...Johnny Depp...sigh...oh wait, I was talking about something...) & enjoyed my breakfast hot dog, popcorn & coffee (which I promptly forgot to pay Krista for, as well as the ticket!).

Came home, helped my brother move 10 wheelbarrows of wood from the front yard to back by the barn; he cut them into 16 inch logs for my cousin & her husband. We also "borrowed" some huge limbs from another tree that was cut down...not sure what type it was...

Got a Hawaiian pizza for dinner; caught up on Tivo; paid bills; vaccuumed my car; put away more Christmas-y type stuff that I didn't catch the first go round. Now I'm enjoying a cup of Aveda Comforting Tea and wondering if I'll be able to sleep tonight.

Wish me luck!

Welcome to New England!

My cousin said: "...if we have snow today I'll be the one stuck shoveling off the driveway!" Well...her driveway is more like a small, winding road, as evidenced by the picture below:

and oh, my yes, if we're getting snow, chances are she certainly did! Ahhh...it's good exercise, anyway, right?

I'm out to shovel my short little walkway for the mailperson...and I have to say I'm feeling much better about doing that LOL!

One of these isn't like the others :-)

brrr...I'm stayin' inside!

"It sure can be fun and dramatic to watch a situation get totally out of hand, but aren't you older and wiser than that? You've got enough going on as it is. Find a way to gracefully exit this now."

I don't think it's fun, not a bit and I am older, but not necessarily wiser. It is true, though, that I do have enough going on as it is, more than enough, actually. A graceful exit? I'm just not sure how to do it...other than just walk away. I always have had a hard time just letting go of anything...possessions, situations, friends. Just like my horoscope sign, tenacious to a fault, that's me.

On a more positive, less confusing note, I'd love to take a jewelry making class, working with silver, not just beads. CCAE has such a class, but it's always filled immediately. Guess I need to really pay attention when the next registration opens and sign up right away.

Found at Goofy Girl:

Meme #1
1. Go into your archives.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Go to the fifth sentence (or closest to it).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five other people to do the same thing.

3. Sell a photo [ironically, that was from another meme]

Meme #2
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog along with these instructions.
5. Don'’t you dare dig for that “cool” or “intellectual book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.

The book: The South Beach Diet

Nowadays, we know that plaque buildup is more complicated and has less-predictable consequences. Plaque begins when cholesterol penetrates the inner lining of an arterial wall and starts forming an absesslike pocket. Inflammatory cells pour into the abscess, maing it larger and inflamed. [be thankful I had to stop here, it got really gross!]

Consider yourself tagged ;-)

I was emailing with Gina yesterday and she asked: "How are you feeling?". A loaded question at this point in time, unfortunately. Here is my answer:

I'm ok, I guess, thanks for asking. I'm beginning to feel alot of guilt in regard to my mother; I didn't visit her enough, I never bought that Chantico from Starbucks for her cause I kept thinking, "Oh, I'll get it next time" and then time ran out, I'm relieved I don't have to go to that damn nursing home anymore, I didn't stay the day she died and she died just two hours after I left, alone. I hate that.
And then I took Dad & the dogs to the beach Saturday, and Dad walked too far, got tired very suddenly and actually fell, thankfully it was on the sand. He recovered his breath and was able to get up and walk back to the car. Now I just keep waiting for him to keel over...sigh... Aren't you glad you asked?

In part, she answered: "...Someday, you'll realize you did the best you could, and dwelling on that stuff is not going to do you any good..."

She also said: "And I am glad I asked how you are. When I ask, I mean it. I don't want to hear "oh, I'm fine, how are you" or some shallow-assed comment if how you actually feel is damn crappy. I'll take you crappy or happy."

So many people do want to hear "Oh, I'm fine", though. They ask how you are out of politeness, but they certainly don't want you to answer by saying, "Well, actually, not so good." as that would entail a conversation which, a. isn't mainly about them, or b. they don't have the time for.

Anyway, I digress. Smart, kind girl, that Gina! I'm glad to have her as a friend :-)

Borrowed from Write from Karen:

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.

In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.

You'd like your lover to think you are loyal and faithful... that you'll never change.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was ruthless, cold-blooded, and sarcastic.

Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.

Your risk of cheating is low. Even if you're tempted, you'd try hard not to do it.

You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.

In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

Last weekend, I watched some shows on tv that had a similar theme...abused children. Cold Case was one of the shows and it was just heartbreaking...a child stolen by his uncle and sold to a pedophile, I felt so incredibly bad for the little boy. Another was a true story, a woman who had 5 children, 3 girls, 2 boys, and she killed 2 of her daughters. I also read the blog of a regular read to find out she'd been treated horribly as a child.

As much as I didn't feel close to my mother, I know I had damn good parents. I never felt unloved or unwanted, I was barely ever disciplined or spanked (back when spanking was socially acceptable LOL), I didn't go hungry and while I didn't get every little thing I wanted (sigh...that Easy Bake Oven) I was well taken care of, had clean clothes, a roof over my head and kind, caring parents. And bear in mind, I wasn't the easiest child in the world, especially once I hit my teens.

In a way, I felt it was like my mother was pointing this out to me.

ala Megan:

1. What is your reaction to waking up and seeing snow? [Thanks ME!]
2. What's your favorite dessert to order out? to make at home? [Thanks Monique!]
3. Do you file your taxes early or late?
4. Do you usually get a big refund? If so, what do you do with it?
5. How do you handle your bills? Are you really organized, really laid back or somewhat in between. Describe.
6. How important is money in terms of your happiness?
7. What did your parents teach you about money?
8. What do you wish your parents had taught you about money?
9. What are your plans for the weekend?
10. Bonus question. Jimbo and I want to go away for an extended weekend somewhere within driving distance and not too much money (but nice!). Where do you suggest?

1. Right now, still "Woohoo, it snowed"! That'll change, probably real soon.
2. Reve du chocolat at the Black Cow in Newburyport.
3. When I get around to it...
4. Not too big...I put it in my checking account and say I'll pay bills or buy myself something, but generally lose track. This year, tho? I'm buying some camera equipment.
5. I'm laid back with my bills. Some I have on auto pay, some I pay when they come in...no rhyme or reason to it.
6. Somewhat...money makes things easier, sometimes. But I'm pretty simple in terms of things that make me happy. Don't get me wrong...I love my things, my iPods, cameras, tivo, car...but if I had to I could live without them...well, except for one camera!
7. To save, to pay bills on time, to be responsible. It didn't really sink in...
8. How to invest!
9. All the normal stuff, i.e., taking Dad to breakfast, cooking, cleaning, walking the dogs plus, tomorrow I'm going to a "hen party" with Monique, involving a trip to Boston, chinese food and a drag queen caberet! Sunday, I'll be recovering from Saturday night LOL and possibly meeting up with a friend for coffee and whatnot.
10. Mohegan Sun. Stay at a less expensive place in the area, and eat dinner at Tuscany, yum!

so drunk...gay guys...Ned...Wolf...hope abrowncow gets home ok...tppl ,r yp urstd yp yu][sr yjpde@@@

Because of cyclical lunar dating, the first day of the Chinese new year can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February. On the Western calendar, the start of the New Year falls on January 29, 2006.

So today we leave behind the Year of the Rooster, which was the tine I was born into (if you were born in 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 or 2005, then you, too are a Rooster) and enter into The Year of the Dog.

People born in the Year of the Rooster are deep thinkers, capable, and talented. They like to be busy and are devoted beyond their capabilities and are deeply disappointed if they fail. People born in the Rooster Year are often a bit eccentric, and often have rather difficult relationship with others. They always think they are right and usually are! They frequently are loners and though they give the outward impression of being adventurous, they are timid. Rooster people's emotions, like their fortunes, swing very high to very low. They can be selfish and too outspoken, but are always interesting and can be extremely brave. They are most compatible with Ox (1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997), Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001), and Dragon (1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000). I've never dated anyone born in the year of the Dragon, but my two favorite boyfriends were born in the year of the Ox and the year of the Snake, respectively.

If you were born in 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, or 2006, however, you were born under the sign of the dog. People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people¡¦s confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse (1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002), Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998), and Rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999).

For dogs in 2006, any recent setbacks or obstacles can be overcome so look forward to a year in which to really shine, either personally or professionally.

Monique invited me to go to a bachelorette party with her last night; part 1 involved a buffet at Peking Tom's and part 2 involved a female impersonator show at a place called Jacques.

First of all, I can't believe I never heard of Jacques...the show was absolutely so much fun! There was one performer, Mizery, I think is her name, who was amazing...scary, but amazing. I kept thinking that an old boyfriend of mine would've done very well there ;-)

Some of the highlights:

- seeing Monique again; we had a great time, I feel comfortable with her!
- the food at Peking Tom's is great; and the bartender made me an xxxdirty martini that was as good as if not better than the one I had at Tuscany's
- but my new favorite drink is a mohito! Smells as good as it tastes!
- seeing the lion dance and drummers do their thing in the restaurant
- finding a place to park in downtown Boston that doesn't cost an arm and a leg...oh but it was so complicated trying to get OUT of there LOL!
- a mischevious, elfin femboy at Jacques who sat at our table for a bit and reminded me of someone I knew long ago
- stopping at another watering hole around 130 (am) only to find it was closed, but the doors weren't yet locked...so I got to see the cutie bartender again ;-) (I think he said his band has played at Jacques before)...
- making it home in one piece!
- Watching Wolf make a new friend; I brought him out to meet Monique and she thought he was adorable :-)

My cousin Maribeth lost her daughter, Katie, in 1985 in a horrible automobile accident; she wrote about her loss today, beautifully, eloquently, and of course, sadly.

My most vivid memory of Katie, an adorable little red haired girl who loved to laugh, revolves around me trying to change her diaper and not doing a very good job (altho, typically, she just laughed and laughed).

Maribeth sent me a card and a journal last year, and enclosed a picture of Katie and me. It made me smile; that seemed to be Katie's purpose in life, to make us smile. I'm glad for the time she was on this earth, altho it was far, FAR too short. I'm glad she's in a better place, but selfishly, I wish she was still here, making me laugh and bringing a smile to my face.

Katie on the left, me in the middle, Amanda on the right

Last week, one of the women I work with told me that the local Starbucks featured work by local artists on their walls. She was telling me this because she thought I should take one or two of my framed photos and see if the folks at Starbucks might be interested. If you know the least little thing about me, you know I'd never in a million years do that...so she took one over herself!

The manager was interested and said he'd call me. I figured, sure he's just telling her that, being nice, you know.

I was out Saturday night and my cell phone rang...an unfamiliar number with a familiar area code. I excused myself from the bachelorette party and took the call. It was the manager of Starbucks, telling me he'd like to feature my picture on the wall. I was so excited!!! Then he said something about the wall needing to be filled...and I said, wait, you mean you want just my pictures on the wall? He said, yes, we can fit about 12 or so. OMGOMGOMG!

So, for the month of April, 12 or more of my photos will be hanging on the wall of the local Starbucks. Can you believe it??! I can't!

The worst part of this is the woman who started it all is in DC this week and unreachable...so I can't tell her the good news, which is kind of why I waited to tell all of you. But I can't wait anymore!

12 of my pictures on the wall. Wow! Anyone want to go to my flickr and tell me which 12 to choose? :-)

I turned on the radio...just to see if he was there yet, cause I'd heard February...and there he was! Started yesterday, and I missed his first day AND him playing Fool in the Rain...sigh...

WELCOME BACK, CHARLES!!!

I had an interesting dream this morning about an old boyfriend, Michael. I picked him up in Chinatown, after a business meeting, and we were sitting in the way back of a car, like a Subaru Forrester or some such, with Wolf. Michael gave me a piece of jewelry and said how much he'd changed and how he was ready to appreciate me now, and then he let one of those Korean liondogs into the car and I was like, that's nice, um, can you please ask that liondog to leave, I'm a bit worried about it eating Wolf. And then I woke up and realized my alarm, which had gone off at 715, had neglected to go off again after I hit snooze, it was 745 and I'd better get up and go to work, where I had just the most lovely day [insert sarcasm].

Sigh...

And I missed most of Charles' second day on the radio...

Tuesday's Featured Year: 1985

~Hooters- "All You Zombies" [don't think I know this one...]
~Tom Petty- "Don't Come Around Here No More" [love this one!]
~Pet Shop Boys- "West End Girls" [eh...]
~Bruce Springsteen- "Glory Days" [one of Bruce's best!]
~Cheap Trick- "Tonight It's You" [hmmm...not sure I know, or more likely, remember, this one, either]
~U2- "Bad" [I MUST know it, but again...the old brain's a bit foggy...]
~Simple Minds- "Don't You Forget About Me" [loved Simple Minds back in the day...]
~Dire Straits- "So Far Away" [loved this song alot]
~Robert Palmer- "Addicted To Love" [lol this song always make me think of this guy Doug I worked with at Hanscom, as he'd change the lyrics to something nonsensically obscene...]

As the Beatles, and later, Joe Cocker once said: "Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends".

Name 5 things that make you think of me...negative, positive, whatever, just 5 things that remind you of me! I'll return the favor ;-)