The Fountain of Youth?

I can name that tune in one nanosecond...


In all honesty, I cannot tell you what I had for lunch yesterday, or today for that matter. I tried to recall the meals before I started to type this, but I have drawn a complete blank. What part of your brain is used to store and recall this information? I haven't a clue. But turn on the radio, and with one split second of a song play, nine times out of ten, I can tell you what it is. Especially if it was recorded in the last 30 years or so.


Now it doesn't matter what kind of music it is. It can be rock, heavy metal, easy listening or current pop tunes, I can tell you the title and the name of the group or singer. My kids are incredulous of the whole process. I guess I didn't watch a whole lot of television in my youth because I really remember thousands of songs (except most new country) and with the single sound of a note, the information just pops into my head. The Rolling Stones, Barry Manilow, and Lady Gaga all have equal time in my brain.


I don 't know if this bodes well for memories or lack thereof when the aging process really starts kicking in. I hope I can keep surprising my kids with this Rain Man type skill along with having the capacity of being nostalgic about their youth. Because this is the good stuff!


Thank you for sharing your precious time with me and my words.

No empty nest here!

For the longest time, my husband and I have been telling the kids that when the time comes, WE are going to move out and they can have the house. We don't think that they will ever  leave. Maybe that it isn't a bad thing. For now, I don't mind them all being home.


In fact, I like that they WANT to be home. Their friends are always welcome here and 9 meals out of 10, there is enough food for at least one more person to break bread with us. When the kids are home and any of their "peeps" are here, I know that they are safe. It is the same thing with kids sleeping over. I don't mind a houseful then either, for the same reason, everyone is safe.


Our front porch is offering the same sanctuary to birds. There is a corner of our front porch roof that birds always construct a nest in. It doesn't matter what my husband does to dissuade them from building there, but the birds can't be deterred. It is an area that is protected from the elements and larger birds can't get to, so those little eggs are safe until they hatch. Last year, a lazy bird took advantage of the nest after the first chicks grew and took flight. It is like a timeshare bird condo. 


When my husband took the nest out of its' corner, he put it in the backyard. It came out as one, solid piece of construction. It was so well made, that it remained together for the entire winter. It survived the elements intact. I guess the home we live in is equally safe and sound. It was built in 1871 and is still going strong. And if it can if it can survive sheltering  our family, I am sure it can survive another 140 years after we are gone.


Thank you for sharing your precious time with me and my words.

Comfort in the familiar...

Even if I have already seen the episode 10 times, if I am flipping the channels and "Law and Order" is on, I will watch it again.  Don't get me wrong, I also love "NCIS" (the original, not L.A.), thanks to my friend T.! But I LOVE L&O, especially Criminal Intent.  I was so sad when the Goren and Eames characters left. I was VERY happy too see that they are going to back in a new season on USA network.


As a rule, I don't get attached to too many t.v. shows, especially because my kids have taken over the living room area. When Fox cancelled "24", I was pretty much done with t.v. Now, there are other shows that I do like but I if I miss them, it's okay.  If a repeated episode of L&O is on, I will sit and watch it or just let it be background noise. I like that the show has the same routine, just the criminals and crimes vary. And each story wraps up in the hour. The good guy doesn't win every time. Real life is like that too.


Now with a new season of L&O Criminal Intent, I will do all I can to catch it but if I can't catch it the first time, that is what the DVR is for. Then I can watch it anytime with no commercials, preferably when the kids are not in the living room so I can have a place to sit, and visit familiar characters catching the bad guys. Thank goodness that all will be right with the world again. Welcome back Mr. D'Onofrio and Ms. Erbe. We missed you!


Thank you for sharing your precious time with me and my words.

V. versus C. ...

How can a 45 lb. 7 year old stop a 245 lb. 17 year old in his tracks? Tickle him!!!

My youngest is a velcro monkey who can crawl on and hang onto pretty much anyone or anything and right now, he is busy roughing up his big brother.  There is almost  nothing as pure as the laughter derived from a good, solid tickle.  And the littlest brother can hold his own with all of his siblings and really isn't afraid of anyone or anything. I guess this will serve him well when he gets older. There is something to said for being fearless, and he certainly is that. As for the tickling, no one can tickle anyone as good as me!

Being a mom, we know all of our children's ticklish spots. And every once in a while, the tickle monster does have to come out. It helps keep things in order and lets everyone know who is boss. And that would be Mom.  And they can't turn the tables because I am not ticklish. I don't know if ever was and I guess that is okay. But there has to be something very liberating by being able to laugh from a great tickle fest.

So try and laugh this week, and give someone a little (or big) tickle especially if they need it. You both will feel so much better!

Thank you for sharing your precious time with me and my words. 

If it is Sunday....I am clipping coupons!

I know there are television shows and "experts" talking about the virtues of clipping coupons, but this is nothing new, especially at my house. I have been clipping and saving for years, before it was "cool" and a reality t.v. show.


I have always had the Sunday paper delivered. It isn't because I wanted to read the latest news or gossip, it is because of the coupons. I get my local paper and the Daily News (the paper is for my husband, the coupons are for me). I put on a pot of coffee and get my favorite scissors and start clipping away.


Keeping a family of 6 fed, bathed, and dressed is no easy feat. This is where coupons come in. I know the process is time consuming but is well worth my while. For example, I had to make a CVS run today. I had my coupons and Extra Bucks (additional coupons for already shopping there) ready to go. I also bring the flier. With the sales, coupons, and Extra Bucks, I saved 61% on my final total. The cashier asked me to go grocery shopping with her so she could save too.


I also have the same success at the supermarket. I watch the sales, bring my bags, and give myself time to be thorough. I saved almost 70% off my total bill.  Please know that I do not shop every week and I don't hit all of my local supermarkets. I have favorites that I frequent. I don't have time to drive all over the place and with the price of gas these days, I have to be practical. And I do find by shopping in this manner, the brand names are almost always cheaper than the off brands or the generic products.


The amount I save helps pay for the extras, like a few days at the beach in the summer, or a family outing, or a nice dinner out. It kills me to pay full price for anything and with being a diligent shopper and coupon clipper, I don't have to. So if you are still not compelled to clip and save, hold on to your coupons for me, I'll come and pick them up on my way to the market.

Thank you for sharing your precious time with me and my words.

Spring cleaning for my brain...

I spent the last three days cleaning to start my Spring cleaning. I still have PILES of stuff and paper to deal with but I have thrown out and donated so much that I can probably start the heavy duty tasks next week.


I actually like this process of cleaning, purging, and preparing for the warmer weather. The work is mindless for me and sometimes it is good for me NOT to think too much.  As many of you know, I have had an awful lot of "life" happen recently and the focus it takes to organize, file, and figure out what to tackle next is very cathartic for me.  There are so many things that my husband and I want to accomplish to make our house a home, it is good to have such a long "to do" list.


I will keep all of you posted on the progress. I need someone to hold me accountable, so why not all of you?


And now, I would love to make this blog interactive. So please tell me what project you would like to accomplish this Spring. And if there is something you would like me to ruminate on, I am always up for a challenge. On that note, I have a load of clothes to dry. Now THAT is the story of my life. I will NEVER be caught up on the laundry!


Thank you for precious time with me and my words. 

Writer's block...

Just to let all of you know that I am suffering from a bit of writer's block. I am going to take a not too long shower (because I have to be eco-friendly after all) and hopefully have a good night's sleep. Let's hope resting the old brain box will help.


Sweet dreams everyone!


Thank you for sharing your precious time with me and my words.

A change of plan...

I was originally going to write about something light but then I watched a special on PBS about a woman named Fanya, who survived World War II and the invasion of her town in the Ukraine by the Russians and Germans. At the age of 86, she still travels the country, speaking to all who listen. She tells her truth in an unvarnished, in your face fashion. She especially wants to reach inner city students who she considers survivors too. She wants you too know that there is always hope and she will spend the rest of her life giving back, by sharing her story and making all who come in contact with her, a witness to her life and in turn, history.

I try very hard to not take any bit of my life for granted. Fanya's story makes me appreciate my life all the more. We have very charmed lives, even if struggles are present. And there are so many people that want to help if you need it. I have been thinking about volunteering, now that my Blockbuster career is over, it may be time to give back. If you are in a little bit of a funk, or are experiencing a rough spot in your life. please take a minute to count your blessings and take care of yourself and then do a little something for someone else. It will make you feel SO good.  I promise.

Thank you for spending your precious time with me and my words.

It's Girl Scout cookie time!

Along with April showers bring May flowers, and the smell of new crayons announcing it is almost time for back to school, I so look forward to my first box of thin mints of the Spring. I do love other Girl Scout cookies but there is something about thin mints.  In this house of six people, an open box of those cookies last maybe an hour. And somewhere along the way, someone told me about putting them in the freezer. They are yummy that way too.


But as much as I love those cookies, I am partial to my 13 year old son's chocolate chip cookies.  He has baked many variations of a memorized recipe and I love them all.  He prepares the dough and then delegates the forming and baking to his big brother. They are made with love and conviction and even impress their dad, the baker.


I know the thin mints are only available once a year, my sons' cookies are available all year long. And that is a good thing.  I better see if all the ingredients are here so we are prepared for that last Girl Scout cookie being devoured... I guess I am going to the supermarket!


Thank you for spending your precious time with me and my words.

What did you say?

As I was drinking my morning coffee, I realized I forgot to post my blog last night. I had come home late from a candle party and talking to my friend about life stuff and just completely forgot. It is okay though. My friend needed to talk and I was glad to listen.


It took me a long time to learn to listen to pretty much anything.  I always heard everything but didn't always stop and really listen. You have to be engaged and focused and compassionate, even if whatever the person is saying is annoying or frustrating. What I have found over my many years of interacting with all kinds of people, we all just want to be heard.


If you have time today, call someone you haven't talked to in a while or engage your family in conversation. Yes, that means turning off the tv,computer,cell phone, ipod, etc.(texting in the talk DOES NOT count!). You may be pleasantly surprised to hear what they have to say. Practicing the fine art of conversation AND listening may just save the world.


Thank you for sharing your precious time with me and my words.

Spring is here...

My 7 year old sang in his school's spring concert tonight.  Since he is the last child born, I have come to realize that many events will be the last.  So I won't hear another second grade choir sing with their sweet little voices. Tonight they sang "Like a Prayer" which I thought was interesting choice but they did a great job.


As a rule, I cry when I attend any of these events.  I don't know why, I just tear up. Tonight was no exception.  But this time I had a really good reason. The other song the choir sang was "In My Life" by the Beatles.  This was the song that my sister-in-law chose to dedicate to my brother-in-law during her memorial service. I have listened to the words before but never really heard them until my little guy was singing along to the song during the service.  I bent down and asked him how he knew the words.  He told me it was the song that he was singing for his concert. It was so touching to hear it being so beautifully sung tonight.


Along with this rite of Spring, comes daffodils blooming, forsythia blossoming, and hanging the clothes on the line.  I don't want to go on anymore about this right now though. Laundry leads to Spring cleaning and that will be a whole other blog posting.


Have a wonderful night, and sweet, sweet dreams. And take the time to listen a song that touches your heart.  It will make you smile and stay with you all day.


Thank you for sharing your precious time with me and my words.

Two tickets please...

My oldest son and I just got back from going to see "The Source Code". It is the new movie with Jake Gyllenhaal and Michele Monahan. I guess you could say it covers the premise of time travel but it does it in a Die Hard meets Groundhog Day kind of way.  And it isn't on the epic scale of "Inception" (which is still one of my all time favorite movies) even though it has a lot of action, it is a much smaller movie.


For the longest time I have asked "Is this all there is?" and who are we to say yea or nay? This movie asks that question but doesn't give you the answer.  It actually makes you think and that is very appealing to me.  I love action movies and romantic comedies as much as the next person. And sometimes I don't want to think about anything (Hangover for example, no brains, just stupid funny) or non stop, mind numbing action (Expendables, tongue-in-cheek and action packed) but thinking is good too.


After working for over 10 years at Blockbuster (on and off), I have watched many movies, discussed many, recommended some, begged customer to NOT rent some, and waited for new movies to come it.  But was always the most fun to me was to tell someone about a little gem that they may have overlooked, or even better, disagreeing about any movie.  Not everyone likes then same thing. If they did, Hollywood would be out of business.  But Hollywood keeps giving people something to look forward to.  A couple of hours in a darkened theater, sipping a soda and munching on some popcorn is still the best way to escape from the everyday grind.


Whether the movie is good or bad or just okay, there is always another one coming out the following  Friday.  That one might end up being your all time favorite. 


Thank you for sharing your precious time with me and my words.

Can't sleep? Watch Craig Ferguson!

A few months ago, my sons started to watch The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson on CBS. I was usually asleep when it was on, but with the magic of the DVR, they recorded several episodes and I started watching them during the day.


It takes a lot for me to really, truly laugh. This crazy, hyper kinetic, Americanized Scotsman is hysterical. He doesn't take himself too seriously and seems to be having more fun than his audience. He is raunchy and curses and gets bleeped a lot, and must drive the censors nuts. He doesn't have a band like all of the other more well known talk show hosts.  His side kick is a robot named Geoff and a little person named TJ who has been painted gold as the Oscar and is dressed up as a leprechaun as of late.  There is also a horse (2 people in a horse suit) that is named Secretariat and comes out dances when the doorbell rings.


It sounds insane and chaotic and it is. It doesn't even matter who his guest is, I watch it anyway, just for him. If you need to break up the monotony of your day, and you can't sleep, tune into the Late Late Show.  He'll make you laugh, unless you are sleeping and I hope you won't be disappointed.


Thank you for sharing your precious time with me and my words.

Hey Dad, what's for dinner?

I am sure for most of you moms (and dads) out there, one of the most stressful parts of your day is figuring out what to feed your family every day. You have to plan the menu, shop for the ingredients, prepare it and then hope that your family will eat it.

I have been blessed to not have to think about any of that by falling in love and marrying my husband, the baker and chef. His gift for food is apparent by the amazing meals he prepares for his family daily.  He doesn't just cook, he creates dishes worthy of any restaurant. He has set the bar high though. Since these meals are made regularly, he now has 4 food snobs to deal with.

All of our kids are fairly adventurous eaters.  Don't get me wrong, they don't eat EVERYTHING but they do eat about 99% of it and if their dad wants to make something different, they will usually try it. The dishes he makes that they do love never taste the same way twice.  It is also next to impossible to go out to eat any more. Their palates are so sophisticated that even the 7 year old will comment about the quality of the food and heaven forbid the meal is inadequate or the service is sub par. They will be vocal about their dissatisfaction with the experience.

Now, I tell people that I can get us fed, but my husband feeds us well.  I am in charge of big breakfast that usually happen when the kids are on break.  I will make homemade pancakes, frittatas, omelettes, hash and eggs, or from scratch French toast.  My go to dinner meal is homemade macaroni and cheese.  It is nice to have ONE dish that the kids like how I make it better than their dad. So unless I am making myself breakfast or brewing my next pot of coffee, I don't have to venture into my kitchen until my 7 year old makes the general announcement of "Time to eat everyone! Time to eat!"

This is how I like it. The kids are happy and well nourished and their dad gets to impress us with another feast fit for royalty.  Thanks Honey!  You are the Best!  And gee, I better go put up a wash to earn my keep.

Thanks for spending your precious time with me and my words.

Customer service goes both ways...

I have worked in customer service, to one extent or another, for almost three decades.  I know how to provide great customer service and I know how to be an exceptional customer.  All of my experience, and experiences, have provided me with valuable insights to this relationship.


I filled in at the Route 9 Blockbuster today.  My store officially closed more than two weeks ago so I had a little bit of breather before heading back into the trenches.  This store closes on the 10th so the location is in full liquidation mode.  The dynamic in the store is entirely different than when it was rental location.  One of my first customers of the day had an issue with a charge to his credit card, AND an attitude.  He had a copy of his statement.  I just needed to verify all the information, his membership and get the okay for a refund from the store manager, who I had to call at home and wake up.  Well I guess I didn't do this quickly enough for this gentlemen. Then he proceeded to tell me I was being rude.


Please don't bring this behavior to me. I have told many people, many times,  if you come you come to me with kindness,  I will return the same. Yes, things happen that can be frustrating, but any good customer service person is available to help you and WANTS to rectify the situation,  and will bend over backwards to do so. Just don't be mean, nasty, or bitchy. And PLEASE have the documents we need to help. Whether it be a bank statement or a receipt, bring it with you.  These things pave the way for issues to be resolved quickly for us both.  If you don't have these items, that is okay.  Being pleasant goes a LONG way.  We really do want you to leave happy.


On the flip side,  I do everything I can to be a good customer.  I will wait patiently on line, let someone in a rush go in front of me, try to have all the paperwork I need, and say "Hello" to the person that is waiting on me.  I say "please", "thank-you", and give a compliment if it is earned.  I have written letters and e-mails, and have called store managers and corporate offices if I have received exceptional customer service.  I have also done the same if the the service was horrible. This doesn't happen often though.  If you put out "good", you should get "good" back. I hope the next customer experience you have is a great one, no matter what side of the counter you are on.


Thank you for spending your precious time with me and my words.

Being in hot water...

When was the last time you took a bath?  Were you little?  Did your mom run the tub for you? Was it a bubble bath with Mr. Bubble perhaps?  Or was it soaking in epsom salts for an injury or oatmeal bath because of poison ivy?

I didn't appreciate the spiritual, Calgon take me away, feeling of a bath until I became a little older and a parent. I couldn't understand why anyone would want to sit in their own dirt. Then I realized since I was showering daily,  I was never really dirty. Taking a bath just became a nighttime ritual.

There is something truly comforting and soothing about hot water, bubbles, and a book or magazine, and/or a glass of wine. I have had a bath calm me when nothing else could and have had some of my best ideas have come from that time soaking.  I have fallen asleep in the tub and have spent so much time in there that I have become a pink, wrinkled raisin.

I know that  it takes a few extra minutes to actually bathe and you may not have the best bathtub to soak in. I am lucky to have an older, deep bath tub and it uses about the same amount of water as a leisurely shower. I have a special bubble bath but shower gel works nicely too.  Use what you love the smell of. Have a nice fluffy towel ready and your bathrobe robe or cozy jammies to keep the comforting feeling after you have drained the tub. (PLEASE don't forget a bathmat so you don't break your neck coming out of the tub!)

You owe it to yourself, and your mental health to sink into a tub, up to your chin, once in awhile. It will definitely give you a different perspective on things. Happy soaking!

Thank you for sharing your precious time with me and my words.