New Catch Phrase

Keep saying, "Are you kidding me?"

Most people, I think, seem to get stuck on a word or phrase for a period of time. Are you kidding me, dripping with sarcasm, has been coming out of my mouth lately. On Saturday it was said in regards to a big mess that I have been dragged into regarding the upcoming Harvest Fair in our town. On Sunday it was said in regards to information I heard about suspicious activity of some people that live in our neighborhood. Today it was said in regards to a voicemail I received at work just minutes after walking in the door. The next "are you kidding me" is just waiting for the opportunity to roll out of my mouth...

Exploring

Searching for a direction in life.

As I mentioned in my blog about the movie "Good Will Hunting" I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up. Several times in the past six months different people have commented that they thought I would be good at Reiki. I didn't know much about it, except that it deals with energy, so this week I decided I would see if the the spiritual center near where I work was offering any introductory classes in Reiki. There is a class but it's not until November, but, today they were offering a class in Therapeutic Touch. As it turns out Reiki and Therapeutic Touch are the same, but different. They both work with people's energies, the difference being in how. Reiki is done in a pattern method, where as Therapeutic Touch is done intuitively. I found the class interesting and I'd like to practice some what we learned today. There's a follow-up class at the end of October that I think I will attend. I'm not feeling any great calling so far, but I'm interested and that's a start, right?

Pampered Cooking

Experimenting with my new Micro-cooker.

About six weeks ago I attended a Pampered Chef party. For the most part I try to avoid the Tupperware-esque type of parties because they seem to spread like a disease. Nowadays they have them for anything and everything (candles, jewelry, cooking products, etc.) and you go to one with your friends and then three of them book a party and that's three more parties to go to. Having said all that I do, however, make an exception about once a year and go to a Pampered Chef party because I like to cook. I'm pretty reserved in making purchases and will only buy something I know I will use. The first party I went to about 10 years ago I bought an $8 potato masher because I love mashed potatoes. (The $8 potato masher has since been replaced by the $200 potato masher - my KitchenAid stand mixer - but that's another blog for another day.)

So at the party in August I bought a small Micro-cooker for $7.50. A one-quart contraption specifically for cooking in the microwave. As a demonstration at the party the host made Lava Cake in the three-quart Rice Cooker Plus, sort of similar to the cooker I purchased. I got to thinking I could probably make a smaller version of the cake in my cooker. So last night I approximated a third of a box of cake mix and the appropriate amount of egg, water and oil. I mixed all that in the cooker, then put approximately 1/3 of can of chocolate frosting in a glob on top of the cake mix. I put the lid on and microwaved the concoction for 3 minutes. What came out of the microwave was sheer yumminess. Warm chocolate cake, with gooey melted frosting. And I proved you can make Lava Cake in the one-quart Micro-cooker!

Project Footwear

Chronicling my summer in shoe pictures.

This project started with a picture I took of my Crocs on the beach in Florida. At the time my cousin was submitting photographs based on an assignment given each week from a digital photography website. Around the time I took the picture her assignment was to photograph circles; she took a picture of bubbles in a glass of champagne, I took a picture of the circles in my Crocs. After taking the picture I got to thinking it would be a fun (and funny) way to document my summer with pictures of the shoes I was wearing for different activities. When I started this project I didn't have a blog so had no plan how I might share my idea with others. Now that summer is over and I have the avenue of my blog to display my project, here it is...


Walking on the beach at sunrise.
New Smyrna Beach, FL














Billy Joel concert; worth every penny.
Taken in the parking garage at Mohegan Sun Casino after the concert. If you ever have the opportunity to see Billy Joel in concert, GO!!!














Open Cup match: New Britain, Connecticut.
For the second year, the New England Revolution (Revvies) played in the US Open Cup tournament and their "home" games were played at a fairly small stadium in New Britain about an hour away from us. They won this game after 90 minutes of regular time, two 15 minute overtimes and penalty kicks - very exciting. Unfortunately they were eliminated in the next round of the tournament which was played in Washington, DC.














Farmer's daughter gardens in flip flops.
Taken in my dad's garden while he was away this summer. And no, gardening in flip flops isn't the best idea, but I didn't say I was a gardener!














Family gathering on Grandma's back porch.
This family dinner was held on the back porch because my aunt Patty said she could hardly remember the last time we ate out there. Unfortunately she ended up at the emergency room with Bea and still didn't get to eat out there. Although not obvious by the picture, there were definitely a lot of people there because I wouldn't go out there alone as that back porch is a magnet for snakes.














September 11th. Revvies match. Gillette Stadium.
Everytime I go to a Revvies match, I want to go to more. Watching on TV is good but being there in person is way better!!



















So, although that's not everything I did this summer, it was everything I did that I was willing to take a picture of my feet at. I realized along the way one might look a bit silly photographing their feet. I hope everyone enjoyed their summers, wherever their footwear took them. Happy Fall!

Enough Already

Enough campaigning; let's get to voting!

I'm tired of it, I don't want to hear anymore, if you haven't heard enough yet to make a decision, come out from under your rock and get to it!?! I think it's at the point where the presidential nominees are saying whatever it takes to get elected and that will have no bearing on what they actually will do if elected. Because once they've been voted in, they can pretty much do whatever the heck they want, it's not like you can take your vote back! And to be fair, I have made up my mind who I will vote for and I don't want to hear anymore from that candidate either. In this day and age, voting comes down to one thing, electing the lesser of two evils...and of course that is still an evil.

I think my recent renewed interest in watching "The West Wing" is largely because I want to think that the president and his staff really do care about the people and once in a while do the right thing, no matter the consequences. In reality I think politicians are power hungry and self serving and for the most part could care less about me and my problems (unless it's time to vote and then only until elected). If we really want to make a difference this election year, not only get out and vote but if there's any politician holding an office that you can't flat out say at least one thing they've done to better your life and/or your community...VOTE THEM OUT!!! The whole system is corrupt and it goes way beyond the person sitting at the big desk in the oval office. Until we start voting out the Ted Kennedy's of the country, nothing is going to change!!!

One Day, Two Blogs

(This is the blog entry I would have wrote yesterday, had I gotten around to it!)

What do you want to do?

I was watching the movie "Good Will Hunting" as I was getting my day started on Saturday. There's a part in the movie where Robin Williams, playing the therapist, asks Will the above question. I realized that at the age of 31, it's a question I haven't ever been able to answer myself. I've always, in a way, envied people who just flat out knew what they wanted to do. Take my sister in law for example, she wanted to be a veterinarian and didn't think twice about eight years of schooling plus internships to get there and seven years later she still seems content with her choice.

I'm not someone who is motivated by money so that hasn't ever played a role in drawing me toward a career path. I've always felt that work is something I have to do to pay the bills but for me, fulfillment comes from where I choose to spend my time outside of work. I like my job well enough (administrative assistant for a crisis intervention program) and I think I'm pretty good at what I do. The pay is not great, but I like my co-workers and I like that the general purpose of the program is to help people. I've been there 8+ years and have stayed that long because my hours are flexible, I get 5 weeks paid vacation per year and for the most part I supervise myself. The only thing that is really missing for me is a feeling that I'm working to my potential.

At the end of my year in 6th grade, I asked my teacher to sign my journal that all my friends had signed too. She wrote a nice long paragraph, of which I remember one sentence..."You are a bright girl, you just don't apply yourself well." So now I'm wondering, all these years later if that is still case. The problem is I still come up with no definitive answer when I ask myself, "what do you want to do?"

Two days, no blog; where's Hope?

I'm still here plugging along, same as always. It was a busy week. For the most part I'm a homebody but there just hasn't been time for much of that recently. I think they have hired a new evening receptionist at work so I may be done working at night or may have to do it one more week to help train. Saturday, Jak and I spent the morning at a charity walk-a-thon to benefit the building of a local animal shelter. The afternoon was spent painting a sign for the FD auxiliary's booth that we use to sell grinders (sub, hoagie, etc.) at Harvest Fair, Columbus Day weekend.

As for today, well I'd like to sit around and do nothing but that's not likely to happen. I've been neglecting my tri training a bit so I might head out to the Y. I kind of need to make a trip to Target as well. And I could also...

New Diagnosis

Suffering from Fetal Apple Pie Syndrome.

When my mom was pregnant with me, she used to eat apple pie for breakfast. She did this with the thinking that if it was going to come back up, she might as well enjoy it going down. Now more than thirty years later, if there is apple pie in the house, I have to eat it for breakfast. I can't help wondering if this poor nutritional habit has been inflicted on me due to choices my mom made while pregnant. It also makes me think I might qualify for some kind of disability compensation because, after all, it is harder to function throughout the day when you don't start with the proper nutrition.

Royalty

Today the queen; tomorrow the president.

I'm going to the dentist to get my permanent crown this afternoon. This got me thinking that perhaps my status should be changed from princess to queen since this crown will be permanent. Tomorrow I have a fire department auxiliary meeting and I'm not only a member, I'm the president! I have held the office for a little over six months now and have had to deal with more strange and challenging situations then have come up in the previous 12 years I've been a part of the organization. I'm trying to take it all in stride, but at the end of the day the fact still remains that the next time I hear the words "I nominate Hope" I'm going to run, screaming "Noooooooo...."

Fluff

Never too old for a fluffernutter.

I decided to skip the jelly today and went for the Fluff instead. I've just had to explain to my cousin who lives "across the pond" what a fluffernutter is. Apparently they do not have Fluff in England. What a tragedy!

And speaking of tragedies, I was reminded on my way into work this morning it is once again Kamikaze squirrel season in New England. I started referring to it as such a few years ago (long before the blogging squirrel craze) because the squirrels seem willing to risk their lives for the cause - collecting acorns. I had to brake and swerve twice on the way to work this morning to narrowly miss some Kamikaze squirrels. And unfortunately saw the remains of a few who did die for the cause. I suppose that's one good thing about winter, less squirrels out risking their lives. One has to wonder if the acorn butter is really worth it...

Back to Work

Two days off; already requested more.

I took last Thursday and Friday off and upon returning to work today it seemed like the thing to do was put in my next time-off request. My next request is for - GASP- a full week off. The gasp is because I very rarely ever take a full week off. More so, I take a few days here and there and work part of a week so that my workload isn't a nightmare upon returning. And to be fair, this is not something I've been forced to do, I just find in the grand scheme of things it's easier. But for the week of 10/12 to 10/18 they're going to have to get by without me and I'll deal with whatever nightmare awaits me when I get back.

And while I'm on the topic, a co-worker/friend/blog reader of mine is having some work done on his knee this week. He seems to have some trouble following doctor's orders and does too much too soon. So Dan, do what you're told and don't worry about things at the office...I'll take care of everyone's computer problems for the next two and a half weeks. Kicking them (computers not people) works, right?!?

Chelsea Wins

Petr Buttrfingers doubles as road cone.





















Today was the first time I had a chance to watch a Chelsea match since the English Premiership League started their season in mid August. As I've mentioned before, Nick and Alina are big fans and Alina actually sat next to Petr Cech on a flight once. Petr Buttrfingers was the name Nick gave Petr Cech after he made some poor plays while on national duty for the Czech Republic. Chelsea's away uniforms this season are black, the color Petr sometimes wears, so now he has this lovely orange uniform which he was wearing today.

I'm going out soon to tour the town...transfer station, post office, store, apple stand, home. Ah, life in a small town!

Redemption

The picture says it all...YAY!!!















Great game, and not just because the Revvies won. It was the first time in a long time that they looked like the championship caliber team that I know they are. I think my favorite part of actually being at a game is that there is so much you don't see on TV. Team captain Steve Ra-Ra Ralston was back last night after being out several weeks with injury. I swear just his presence on the field brings up the level the team plays at, and that's not to mention his skill. I support the Revvies win or lose, but of course I like to see them win...especially when I'm there in person!

I thought after the first Revvies match we went to that maybe it would be a good place to meet someoone. I mean at the very least we would have being soccer fans in common. Last night I sat in front of a captivating guy. He was friendly, and chatty and asked lots of questions, he even had me laughing at times...

















Unfortunately, he was about 30 years to young for me to date but I enjoyed his company just the same. On the way into the stadium they were handing out American flags for September 11th. At different intervals throughout the evening he would instruct when I should be waving my flag. His questions were endless...why, why, why??? But since I don't have to field them on a daily basis I was happy to oblige and did my best to provide answers. At one point he was demonstrating how strong he was by pushing himself up on the chair backs so that his little feet were maybe an inch off the ground. Then he had to show me he could do it standing backwards, at which point he informed me he was like a monkey which was only made complete with the sound effects, "hoo hoo hoo hoo". I thought I would fall out of my seat laughing.

I have a bunch of pics that I took. When I find enough ambition I'll put them on my flickr account to share. The stadium the Revs play at is the New England Patriots' stadium and it's huge. I took some pics to show a friend but as she said, you probably have to see it in person to appreciate it. I bet the attendance at the game last night filled a quarter or less of all the seats there. Actually that's one of the appeals of major league soccer, it's not that popular so you don't have to pay to park ($40 at Patriots' games) and hardly no traffic afterward. But let's keep it our secret, I don't want the word to get out and have it get popular!?!

Road Trip

Off to Gillette Stadium. Go Revvies!!!

For the second time this year we are off to Foxboro to a soccer game. The Revs have hit a rough patch over the past few weeks so maybe tonight, with me there cheering them on, they will start their comeback. The match will be televised live on ESPN2, game time is 7:00PM, if anyone would like to watch from the comfort of their home.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and the families of the victims of September 11, 2001.

Ever After

Princess Hope has formulated a plan.

Last night we were watching the movie "Ever After" - yet another take on the Cinderella story, starring Drew Barrymore - when a plan to find Prince Charming came to me. I'm going to start "losing" a shoe here and there to see if a handsome prince finds it and comes looking for me. Of course since it'll be my shoe, it won't be a glass slipper, it'll more than likely be a sneaker or a Croc or a Teva or a flip flop...

Working Late

Putting in extra hours at work.

The evening receptionist where I work gave her two-weeks notice and being the kindhearted person that I am, I said I would fill in at least one night a week until they could hire someone. This involves leaving my regular job a little early to run home and let Jak out so I can come back and work until 8PM. It's a bit of a drag, but no one made me, I offered...and a few extra bucks in my paycheck is always nice!

The Y @ Lunchtime

Lifeguard at Y resembles Carrot Top.





















As previously reported, I'm swimming on my lunch break these days. The lifeguard that was working today looked a lot like Carrot Top, except his hair was blond. He was also wearing sunglasses inside which seemed a bit odd to me. But I guess as long as he can jump in the pool and save me if I'm in trouble, it doesn't really matter what he looks like, right!?!

Sunny Sunday

Goodbye Hanna; hello beautiful sunny day!

By the time I woke up this morning all that was left of the storm was some wind and that didn't even last much past noon. The sun was shining and the sky was a brilliant blue. I even rode my bike, along with my cousin Maggie, to a family picnic in town this afternoon. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like those in the path of Ike will be as lucky.

I've said for a long time that the one job I've always wanted was to be the person that names hurricanes. I'm very good at doling at nicknames, and naming pets - not only ours but for family and friends on occasion so I think I would be perfect for the job. I guess the main thing holding me back is that I have no idea where to apply for such a job and what actual qualifications I might need. But for what it's worth, I approve of the name Ike.

Potus

Tropical storm Hanna, in the 'hood.

The beginning of the storm is just arriving in Southern New England, my plans for the evening have changed since it is literally going to rain on my parade. I was supposed to be marching in a FD parade, but after getting rained on the past two years at the same parade, I'm just not going. Instead, I'm watching old episodes of The West Wing. I just picked a used copy of the first season from half.com and have been quickly reminded of the quality in which the show was made.

In the pilot episode Jed Bartlett rides his bike into a tree while on vacation in Jackson Hole. All the senior staff gets a page that "Potus" is returning to town. Potus being President of the United States. My all time favorite show of all the seasons, which was actually the first episode I ever saw, is The Stackhouse Filibuster. It's in season two which I will probably look to purchase after I finish watching the first season. I think that was one of the best things about the show, it wasn't just entertainment, there were lessons about how our government runs that we were all probably taught in junior high or high school and had long since forgotten.

If you're in the path of Hanna as well, I hope you find something to keep you entertained and dry. And if Hanna isn't in your 'hood, I hope the nice weather is!

Finally Friday

Short work weeks always seem longer.

Not sure why it is, but weeks with a Monday holiday always seem to last longer than a five day work week. I've been dog sitting this week and as I've said before that means rising early, but not usually getting to bed early making for longer days.

My Revvies made a somewhat painful exit from the CONCACAF Champions League on Tuesday night losing 4-0 against Joe Public (from Trinidad and Tobago) and 6-1 on aggregate. At first glance, for a team that's on top of their MLS division this seems like a sorry a result but when you look at the big picture it's not all that surprising. This is the third tournament they've competed in outside regular MLS matches this season. For the past few weeks they've been playing two games per week, so the players are pretty spent at this point. Oh, and one other thing, all of their forwards are out with injury so midfielders have been moved into those roles. If they had won, it would have meant potentially 6-8 more games in the tournament and they just don't seem to have the time or manpower for that now. I look at their loss as a positive thing so that they can now focus strictly on finishing the MLS season and making a run for the MLS Cup.

Back in the swim of things.

After a two week hiatus from using the pool, I went back to swimming at the Y today. I found out yesterday I am not the only one back to swimming, as the swim team will now be using the pool 2pm-6pm, Mon-Fri. This, of course, conflicts with the time I was swimming. So I'm going to have to alter my training schedule a bit and take an extended lunch break. I think instead of swimming Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I will start going Tuesday, Thursday and one weekend day to cut out one weekday that I would have to stay late to make up the time. Who would have thought exercising regularly would be so complicated?!?

Worth a Try

Two Loudon race tickets for sale.




















I haven't found anyone to buy them yet and I'm not looking to brave the crowd myself and go. So why not use my blog as a free advertisement, right?!?
$80 per ticket, sold as a pair.

For the record - These are technically my dad's tickets. When he ordered them he put them in my name (without asking). He uses the tickets that his girlfriend has (better seats) so he doesn't want them. I haven't ever used them in the 7-10 years we've had them. But because my name is on them, somehow it becomes my responsibility to sell them. Go figure.

Labor Day

Thanks for all the hard work.




















It took a lot of work by a few people to bring Grandma's garden up to par. It seems to have flourished even more in the past week or so. I think Grandma would be proud!