The scent of warm, baked chicken fills my home. The rain is falling softly outside as fall begins to assert its presence with cooler temperatures and tiny gusts of wind. A steaming mug of rich, dark coffee sits by my side. A small white triple-layered cake frosted with a thick equally white buttercream icing sits on a tray nearby. It speaks of a celebration yet to happen.The house is quiet. The girls are away. Eight years ago H and I stood beside each other and in front of our family and friends vowing to spend our lives together. Happy Anniversary H. Thank you for eight wonderful years. … [Read more...]
I’m Getting All Schmaltzy About My Friends
Along with all the other things you are thinking about this month- heading back to school, stocking up on the latest fall fashions, closing down that summer house (heh), you can now add in that September is NATIONAL FEMALE FRIENDSHIP MONTH.According to a 2009 University of Michigan study women with close female friends have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. I fully agree with this statement because I know it isn't just the wine on girls night that makes me relaxed. It is the sharing of our week's stories, the cackling laughter, encouragement and support that we give each other weekly that keeps me going and it is better than any magic pill in a bottle.I feel truly blessed to have as many friends in my life as I do. It is a lot of work to keep some of those contacts going through … [Read more...]
“Little Pukes” Piss Me Off
From the files of... 'Not So Quietly Seething', I bring you this little tidbit about a certain entertainer. Though really? Is he entertaining anyone these days? I wish he were entertaining the idea of jail time but sadly it is not going to happen.Hours after Chris Brown is sentenced for abusing his girlfriend Rhianna he is seen at an LA Club, clearly already violating his sentence. *Sigh*Where is this dudes parole officer? Seriously?! I feel the waves of an angry mob coming on. I'm hoping another report comes out soon about how many of the women in that club doused him with their drinks and forcibly removed him from the club. Is that too much to ask? Photo courtesy of TMZ. … [Read more...]
The Difference Between You and Me
H and I were laying in bed the other night dissecting our weekend when we simultaneously said, "We're so lucky." We agreed that we are lucky to have a roof over our heads, jobs we love, our health and that of our children, friends and family. Life is being pretty good to us right now.Then I said, "But for how long can that last?" H replied, "Well..forever." A few seconds full of silenced ticked and then I uttered with a quiet chuckle, "And, that is the difference between you and me."That one, short conversation sums up the very differences that H and I share. He, ever the optimist, doesn't see the world in the cynical way that I often do. I am a planner who likes to see what is coming. I don't want to assume anything or take it for granted. I think the good has to be fleeting no … [Read more...]
Coffee with a Vodka Chaser, Please
I am surly today. Call me CPM - Cranky Pants Mason.I decided that it would be a fabulous idea to suck just one more sunny ounce out of summer and hit the road with the girls again this week. Beach bound we got on the highway and down came the rain. Winds blew and tiny mouths became gaping black holes of want and whine accompanied by fists of fury and destruction. "I want, I want, I want..." It was all I heard until one of the dictators passed out along side the other despot in the back seat. Silence and sunshine ensued for much of the trip.Until I got lost. Why is it that just when you miss a turn the peanut gallery in the backseat decides to create a list of demands so long and loud that you miss all the other eight turns the GPS is barking out at you in its super polite British accent? … [Read more...]
Falling into Motivation.
How cheesy is that title? I swear the Fall does funny things to me. It makes me insatiable. While the end of summer can cause me to feel a bit melancholy, leaving me with a feeling that the month of August is a never-ending series of Sundays, I look forward to Fall with its crisp air, golden sunlight and bright feelings of promise.I plot and plan.I leave post-it stickies on pages throughout fashion magazines and dream of cozy knits, over-the-knee boots and oversized bags studded with metallic hardware.My nails go from ballet slipper pink to blue satin overnight.I become my most motivated as well. Two years ago I spent the month of October working out every single day. I didn't know I had it in me. Today, marking the fourth day I worked out this week, I walked to the library with the girls. … [Read more...]
Earwax
There are tan lines, sand in the shower and bathing suits hanging off of door knobs. I inhaled deeply this morning as I took a long seaside run. The taste of salt coated my tongue as the funkified strains from Kool and the Gang filled my ears. Later we spent an hour or more submerging ourselves like fish in the nearby pool. When we emerged our skin felt tight from the chlorine and our fingertips resembled raisins. Did I mention that there are Oreos in the pantry?It's bliss.When I asked TD what I should call this blog post she replied, "earwax!". Different location, same crazy. … [Read more...]
I’m at Your Service. If You Want.
Last week I cried 'do over!' and I kept my promise. I met my goal. I worked out five times last week. It is the same bat time, same bat channel again this week. Five times. Yes, my knees are popping more than a box of cereal and I a bit more exhausted than I normally would be, but I'm not bloated anymore either. I've de-puffed myself and already my arms are looking a bit more toned. It's not going to be an over night transformation. Ah, to be 17 again... It's going to be a tad more of a long haul getting myself back to where I want to be, but I'm willing to do the work.Are you?Here's the thing. Since I began Shredding and hitting the gym again, a few months ago, I have had quite a few friends ask me all about this power-packed DVD. They have heard me talk about how great it is, how hard it … [Read more...]
My Book. Enough Said #3
It's the third installment of my work in progress. Thanks for reading! CHAPTER TWOI slid down the wall, hugging my notebook to my thin frame and feeling the hard books in my backpack dig into my back. I slump down beneath the front office window of my new school. “Who knew that Nathaniel Green High School was the gateway to hell.” I thought to myself. Certainly not my parents who had decided that public school would be a good change for me. “I have my doubts, but never thought it would be this bad.” I thought with a slightly defeated sigh.Earlier that morning my mother had sent me out the door saying cheerily, “Have a great day honey! You’ll be just fine. You know Peter and Sarah. I am sure Peter will show you around. You’ll be in the same homeroom together.” “Ok, sure.” I … [Read more...]
Come Back Tomorrow
It's the middle of August.It's hot.It's humid.If you want to debate healthcare reform, read about wild toddler antics, baby meltdowns and more this is not the place. Go here instead.We're heading to the spray grounds to enjoy some end of Summer R&R. I suggest you do the same. There's plenty of time for blog reading later. The Internet will still be here when you return. I promise. Just in case you try and come back inside though, I'm locking the front door just like grandma used to do. Now scat!Image by Susan Gerstein. … [Read more...]