gurgle gurgle glub glub

That is the sound of me drowning...
You can probably tell from the amount of dead space since my last posting a few weeks ago that either I have fallen off the planet, or 'gone dark' for some bizarre reason, but actually it's because I don't even have time to put 2 sentences together!  but how does it happen?  Suddenly things just spinnnnnn out of controllllll and there does not seem to be enough hours in a day to get it all done.  I have moments where I visualize a brain surgeon cutting my head open and he is able to see pictures of all the things I'm juggling.  I have thought about making an illustration of it, but then I get overwhelmed with the thought of adding that onto my do list.  My business partner has said more than once that my head will one day spin right off.  He might be right about that but so far it's still attached and functioning fairly well most of the time and I guess I have not gone completely under water because I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and therefore I'm back to write this entry.  Honestly, this overwhelming feeling used to happen to me more often, especially when the kids were younger, where I would actually have RECURRING DREAMS in which I was drowning!  Scary, yes,  and I'm not exaggerating.  I can still picture the dreams vividly because, as mentioned, they kept recurring night after night so they are embedded in my brain (with all the other things I'm mentioned that are crammed in there).
Whew.
Good news.... a dance party date is set so stress relief is on the way..... DURBO TIME!
"Pound the Alarm" by Nicki Minaj

magic on 19th street

Sometimes you meet someone and it's like 'spontaneous combustion'.... I'm not talking about a sexual thing (but I guess that would also apply) - in this case I'm talking about female friendship.  I'm not sure if it's a matter of having more experience... maybe I have become more open to embracing new people?  In fact it should be the opposite, that I might be less likely to be open to new people because I have more of a clear picture about the type of person I want to spend time with... but yesterday, while walking down 19th Street on such a gorgeous day headed to a nearby bank, I randomly starting chatting with a woman about some funny dogs we both happened to observe and it was honestly like an "instant friendship" moment.  This is not because we are both wild about dogs (as mentioned in another posts, I like my dog enough, but I'm not over the top about animals) and my new friend Carol does not even have any pets.  She just moved up to the city from NC and is starting a new job the next week and we ended up having an express conversation on the street corner and we didn't have an incredible amount in common, but we had a connection.  We exchanged business cards and are going to get together soon for lunch and I know that we actually ARE going to get together - it was not an empty promise, but just a simple fact.  I am very much looking forward to it!  And oddly enough, at the end of the day heading home down that very same street, I ran into a friend of Tommy's from college whom I had just been asking him about a few days before and whom I have not seen in over a year!  So I guess 19th Street had some special powers yesterday!  Here's my favorite version of an old song: "Strange Magic" by Darren Hayes

9/11

There are some events that remain as emotional upon reflection no matter how many years pass.  9/11.  I was in the city that day, I watched the towers fall in front of my eyes with the strangers around me on Fifth Ave and 23rd Street as we all cried and hugged each other.  I watched the thousands of people walking uptown in a daze covered in dust.  I rollerbladed to Tom's office to see if he was ok and to tell him I was ok since we could not reach each other by phone.  I remember it as if it was yesterday.  Every year, I watch the television coverage and cry no matter how many times I view the same program.  I think about the magnitude of what that day was for our country and our lives.  No words can truly describe the emotion.  

knee repair

I wonder why, even when it's a hot summer day, the hospital waiting room is always as cold as a meat locker?  And the funny part is that they offer you a 'blanket' which is like putting on a large paper towel... seriously?  Anyway, Tom is having knee surgery done by the "rock star knee surgeon" who walked in wearing scrubs, white Converse sneakers, so much men's cologne I thought he might be going directly from the operating room to a kickin' dance club and a full-of-himself attitude that might be reserved for Jesus himself, but I guess that's who he thinks he is.  After reviewing the surgery with us, he walked away and all Tom and I could do was crack up.  so funny.  We are hoping he has Jesus's skills in the operating room.  Now I'm sitting in the chilly room watching Good Morning America where they are featuring a news story about Prince Harry who is on a 'secret mission' on the front lines in Afghanistan and I'm thinking, if it's a secret, why are there cameras covering it for GMA??  Maybe I'm just tired from waking up at 4:30 am to be here at 5:30 am, but I'm finding lot of little things funny.  So I'm all buddled up with MY OWN blankets that happened to be in the car from the beach weekend... cozy as a clam and ready to nurse my man back to health.  And that is probably the funniest thing of all.... the nurse type I am NOT.  "Doctor Doctor" by Robert Palmer

yes yes yes it's b-t-s!

Did you notice all the moms walking around today with big smiles on their faces??  Christmas might be the best day of the year for kids, but surely the first day of school is the best day for moms!  And it makes no difference if you work outside the home, or inside the home, it is joyous for one and all to have "structure" back in our lives!  (quoting sister Camille)  Over the years, and much to the annoyance of my kids, I have always taken the first-day-of-school photo, with each of them holding a little sign which I would write saying what grade they were entering (yes, I'm a nerdy one)..... I will admit that when they hit high school, I finally ditched the sign, but my daughter was ready for me this morning as I approached her with my camera in hand...  she even smiled.  And don't worry, she put cute little flip flops on before she walked out the door.  In her honor, here's a little High School Musical throwback for ya'll:  We're All In This Together - cast of High School Musical

go fish

What is it about GUYS AND FISHING???  Rarely able to be peeled away from his video games, Jonathan actually agreed to go fishing with the men this weekend.  He arrived home with a big crooked smile reporting that he had caught 20 fish.  At first I thought he was telling a big fish tale, but it was actually true!  Too bad they were not keepers or we would have enjoyed a nice flounder dinner.  Way to go Jon... see what happens when you get away from the xbox for a few hours?  "Shark in the Water" by VV Brown

let loose or lose it!!

I have finally figured out what the most misspelled word in the english language is:   Lose

Not that you would know this from my postings, but some people call me the grammar queen and I am pretty particular about grammar on work-related emails and such.  Somewhere around 6th grade I remember coming pretty close to winning a spelling bee so I have credentials.  :)  But seriously, I need to say this if it only helps one person out there:

LOSE is when you lose a game, or lose a contact lens, or lose someone's phone number, or when you have nothing to lose, or you want to lose yourself in the music, or (on a happy note) when you LOSE WEIGHT!!

LOOSE is when you've lost weight and then your pants are too LOOSE!!!  or the lid on the jar is loose, or you want to "let loose" and have a good time, or when the noose around your neck is (hopefully) loose!  Easy to remember loose rhymes with noose.

Next lesson will involve:  their, they're and there.  But for now:  "Lose Yourself" by Emimem

paddle day in nj

Wow, it was breathtaking and unexpected.  Our neighbors down the street recently purchased paddle boards and asked if I wanted to take one out.... I figured why not so out I paddled in the hopes of success and it was amazing!  The key is to look straight ahead and not down at your feet... it also helps to try it when the water is calm, but there were some swells out there which made it a little more exciting when I would scale each wave and remain standing!  Overall, I was thrilled to pieces and paddling along when I turned my head to see an entire school of dolphins a few yards away!!!!!  it was breathtaking.  I shouted to the surfers so they wouldn't miss it and paddled over as close as I could get to watch them playfully flap their tails each time they dove under in unison.  For whatever reason, it was a little emotional because it was such a purely unplanned moment.  Not like going to Disney World where they are caged up in the little pools for the petting thing... this was just random and special.  Hard to find the words, but I felt very blessed to have chosen that moment to try the board.  I still can't get over it.  Seeing dolphins at the jersey shore is not exactly an every day occurrence, though they do appear now and again, but to be IN THE WATER THAT CLOSE TO THEM BY CHANCE was just spiritual!  ahhhhhhh.  I love nature and I love summer!  Listen to this awesome summer song, it will make you happy:  "Summer Vibe" Walk the Earth

I'm really doing it!!!!!

My sister's bf - look how close the dolphins were!!

sunny & dark

Sometimes the most beautiful day can just bring bad news and it's like the sun is not even shining.  We all know the feeling and even though we know that time heals even the biggest wounds, it is still hard when we are in the moment.  Boooooo hissss to clueless volleyball coaches who cut those players who are the heart and soul of their team!!  Don't worry Juli, your sun will be out again soon.....  "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield

perky clerky

Was doing a little back-to-school shopping tonight with Juli and it's been awhile since I've been in a mall (3 whole months possibly!!) so I forgot one of the most annoying things about it.  I don't mean to complain and I swore this was not going to be a 'whining' blog, and I consider myself a very social person who truly enjoys chatting with strangers anytime, anywhere, as my daughter will annoyingly confirm, but I have to ask if I'm the only one who finds the perky sales clerks who are compelled (obviously trained by their store manager) to greet me immediately upon entering a store with an over-the-top bubbly voice:  "Hi How are you?" as though they really care??  If I'm just a grouchy shopper, please tell me so, but honestly, when I am moving from store to store just to browse, this continuous onslaught of hi-how-are-you-business becomes VERY ANNOYING!!  I try to be nice forcing myself in a pleasant voice to respond, "Hi I'm fine thank you"... of course they immediately ask if they can help you find something to which I nicely respond "no thank you, just looking" and then some of them continue to lurk around you and ask if they can help you find a size, etc, etc... and then, if I actually decide to buy something (meaning if I don't get too annoyed and finally walk out... hint to store manager, this causes a LOSS in sales, not a gain) and I am finally at the register paying.. it's hard for me to believe that the same perky sales clerk is often right there and guess what she says when I approach the register?  yup:  "Hi How are you?" as though she cares... and/or "Did you find everything you needed?" and it is only my solid upbringing that stops me (thanks mom) from saying what I really want to say:  "I'm fine, the same as when you asked me 10 minutes ago when I walked in" and "Yes, obviously I found what I needed because I'm standing here paying for it!".  SIGH.
"Leave Me Alone" The Veronicas

the eating thing

It's so weird with the whole eating and dieting thing.... sometimes for weeks straight I can be so "on it" - eating healthy, eating right, not over-eating, and in general staying on track,,,,,and then BAM, off the wagon I go and all "eating hell" breaks loose for no apparent reason.  I know I feel better when I eat better, so WHY do I sabotage myself and head into the deep abyss of carbolicious-ness and sweets and desserts and eating anything that is not nailed down at any time of day???  It's not even related to exercising which I do even during the bad eating times... it's just a general wave of 'ugly' in the eating department and I wish I could get to the bottom of it and somehow find a better balance.  I know that awareness of the problem is the road to a solution and I feel like I've gotten more consistent over the past couple of years, but "old habits die hard" I guess.  (inside joke for anyone who was with me on the last shoot.... yikes)  I've read plenty of self-help dieting books which give you the "top ten secrets of thin people" and "how to keep your resolutions" etc, and the knowledge and learning is right there IN MY BRAIN, but why can't I live it day to day all the time?  I suppose if I actually knew the answer to this, I would be relatively famous or a little bit wealthy if I found a lucrative way of imparting this knowledge to others.... but for now, I will just have to keep plugging away and start fresh tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.  As a side note, I've decided that because I love music, all my posts will have a song attached.... it might relate to the subject, or it might just be a song I want to share to make your day better because music always does that for me.... signing off with something a little bit inspirational:  Sister Hazel - "Change Your Mind"

weekly neighbors

It's interesting how living next door to someone for a week can give you a quick snap shot of the family dynamic. During the summer, we have the 'pleasure' of living next door to a beach rental home, and the reality is, it's like pot luck hit or miss or whatever else you want to call it in terms of the families who arrive each week.  It's quite a scene to watch them come and go each Saturday morning usually in a frenzy in both directions with lots of beach gear in tow, often in beverly hillbillies style.  Here's how the summer has shaped up in the neighbor department - we went from the "egyptian family" who arrived directly from Eygpt and they were lovely, but they happened to be here during a massive heat wave and the poor women in the family were on the beach with their full head dresses and long robes in the hot sun.  Another interesting thing about them was that their children went around selling (horrible tasting watered down) lemonade door to door.  Slightly different than how the local kids do it around here.  The following week was the "loud family"... they did not seem to have a volume button, maybe there were all hard of hearing?  After they left, we enjoyed the "singing family" from California - their little girls were singing all day long!!  One seemed to have a knack for the opera style, and they mixed it up with pop songs, often in the outdoor shower, but pretty much all the time.  They even went to kids karaoke one night - and honestly, it was pretty pleasant because they were a happy bunch.  The following week we welcomed the "quiet family" and needless to say we hardly knew they were around.  Not much to report about them because they were QUIET!  ha.  After them came the "mean family" and I don't mean they were mean to any of us, it's just that they were so nasty to each other!   They didn't seem to a normal tone when having a regular conversation.  It was a nasty rude attitude all day long and all night long, starting from the papa on down the line. The funniest part of the whole thing was that when they were leaving and they all pulled away, the dad was the last one left getting his car packed up and I happened to be on the front porch and heard him talking sweet baby talk to HIS DOG!!!!  I could not believe my ears.... "who's daddy's girl?!" he spoke to sweetly and I cannot tell you how hilarious it was after listening to him curse and bark at his family all week long. Whew, not sad to see them go. This past week we have enjoyed the pleasant company of the "Long Island family" and I wish they would not leave.  Nice and normal and sociable and sweet - every last one of them right down to the little boy who is about 2 years old and I want to hug him up so badly.  But sadly, they left yesterday and it is a mystery as to the new arrivals... so far they will be named 'the invisibles' because I know they are there (cars in the driveway), but there has not yet been a sighting!  Hopefully this is a sign of a peaceful week ahead, but either way, I will be working in NYC so I will miss most of their stay..... over n out and wondering what OUR OWN family dynamic would be called by an objective viewer......?  

a special gift

This weekend, I was given this poster as a gift from 2 very special colleagues.  I cried when I opened it.  Words to live by... I love it.  Thanks, yellow house!

an addiction

I wonder if a person can be literally and/or physically addicted to exercise...or is it more of an OCD type of condition?  Last summer I developed a bad case of planter faciitis in my left foot and I literally had to stop running and even take a break from other types of exercise which involved being on my feet, so I thought 'ok, I'll take a little break and let it get better'... no big deal right?  well not exactly.  I actually got pretty depressed about it.  One minute I was feeling sorry for myself and the next minute getting agitated about nothing.  Finally I could not take it any more and had to just get back to it... I knew it was better for me to be in pain while exercising, than to deal with the mental state of NOT exercising because either way I was in pain!  And this is not about weight gain or worries about physical appearance.  I am not that stupid to think that a few weeks without exercise would cause a tragic set back in either of those areas, but I was completely losing my mind and found myself often on the verge of tears... like an addict without his fix to some extent.  Or maybe I have a mild case of OCD and can't change my routine but to be clear, I change up the routine itself often.  It's not just running, it might be exercise classes, personal training, biking or weights, etc.... but there is always something in the realm of exercise and it's pretty much several times per week for pretty much as long as I can remember except for after c-sections and thyroid surgery.  With the foot thing, I should mention I did see a doctor initially, and got orthotics in my running shoes, but they actually made it even more painful  since they are like running on hard wood which is so strange.  But oddly once I got back to exercising, my foot eventually healed on its own which was a great relief.  Which brings me to my next point that must be shared.  I have discovered that my MIND is more willing than my body at times (case and point with running despite the foot pain) and I'm told that most people have the opposite problem... their mind gives out before their body would really have to do so.  I guess this is very good news and then comes my last and final piece of bizarre - I have a seriously crazy visualization technique when I'm exercising and trying to push myself as far as I can go and here is what I do:  I visualize that one of my kids in serious danger and if I stop running or stop lifting a weight or doing lunges or whatever the thing is before the goal I've set, I try to picture that they will not survive if I stop, so it forces me to take it to my ultimate limit!  Is this crazy stuff or what??  Am I normal at all?  Sometimes I am almost in tears because I make it so real in my head that when I finally do get to the point where I just can't do it, I feel so sad because it seemed so real.  And of course, it does not work if the child I'm envisioning has recently gotten on my nerves, as you can probably imagine. I'm laughing right now because I should probably NOT post this since someone out there might feel they need to seek some kind of intervention or therapy for me... haha... but seriously you would be amazed at how far you can push yourself with this technique, I kid you not!!  (Unless you don't like your kids very much.)  I just read an article about my father's friend who is 74 and doing an ironman triathlon - and for those who don't follow the sport, that is a 2.4 mile swim, following by a 112 mile bike ride, followed by a full marathon - yes, 26.2 miles or running and yes, all of that in a row on the same day!  That sounds daunting for a 24-year old, then add 50 years of good living!  wowza he is my hero truly.

check out his story at the link below.... and I gotta wonder if he uses any visualization techniques?  

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/165042336_Oradell_s_Roy_Lamendola_competing_in_triathlons_at_age_74.html

not reality

First let me say that as a tv producer, I believe have the credentials to share this insight with some level of expertise having sat thru over 1000 commercial shoots and at least quadruple that in edit sessions (I might have to take the time to figure out the actual numbers on that) so I know first hand how footage can be shot and manipulated to come out a certain way as an end result.  As a counterpoint, I will add that I am only a 'second hand tv watcher' - just like people who inhale second hand smoke.  I never initiate the tv watching, but I vaguely float in and out of whatever the tv watchers in my house are into.  I can thank Tommy for introducing me to "Modern Family" (hilarious) and Jonathan for enlightening me to "Ridiculousness" which I have mentioned in a previous post.  I can thank my husbandTom for my enjoyment of "24", "Lost" and "Spartacus"  (before Christian Grey there was Spartacus & Crixus - trust me on this).  And Juli is the queen of REALITY TV..... you name it, she watches it - sweet sixteens, brides, bachelors, bachelorettes, top models, fashion crisis shows, cooking competitions, cake baking, home redecorating, and the list goes on and on.... thankfully she is not a Snookie fan, but we  have both seen enough to get that scene loud and clear.  All that being said, does anyone out there get that it's all a big farce?  These people on these shows are supposed to be 'real' and what we are supposedly watching is them existing in their every day life, or doing what they would normally do in a certain situation.... but the REALITY is that there are cameras around these people while they are 'acting normal' so... (stay with me here).... once you put a camera there, (if it is not a hidden camera), they are no longer acting normal - it is impossible!!  They are now 'acting for the camera' therefore it is NOT REALITY TV AT ALL, but rather, programs with real people who are acting, therefore it's not even good quality imitation tv.  If you think about it, we are better off observing people with interesting lives without the cameras and WRITING their stories and then casting actors to portray like them so you actually get more of a real picture of how they behave and possibly a good storyline.  I would venture to guess that most of the things these reality tv people do are only 'for the cameras', they are probably not really that interesting or ridiculous or absurd at all and it would probably be fairly boring tv.  The producers of these shows are most likely advising them how to behave in situations, kinda like a director helps the actors in a scene.  Do you really think the 'intimate moments' on bachelorette are real when there are at least 2-3 cameras with cameramen (look at all the different angles they are capturing), as well as some lights and lighting crew.... and add on the sound guy who has put microphones on them and needs to monitor the sound quality.... there is a hair and make-up team who monitors that the whole time... then of course there are producers nearby watching since it is their responsibility to make this show red hot interesting to get good ratings.... so the "intimate" scenes between the bachelorette (ugh, that annnoyyyyying baby talk voice of hers) and her dates are as intimate as you inviting 2 or 3 cameramen to videotape your own life while you 'act normal' - think about how impossible that would be given the above description of the crew who would be in your house while you attempted to do this?   At least Seinfeld made boring everyday life FUNNY using good writers and actors and we can all relate to some of those episodes for sure......I can't wait for the reality tv cycle to end and for someone to come up with the next ORIGINAL idea for programming.  In the meantime, I will continue to inhale the second hand smoke of reality tv programming and try to view it as bad comedy.  I might even learn how to bake a better cake, or learn what not to wear, or how to walk the runway in a fashion show - hey that actually came in handy a few months ago..... so maybe it's not all bad after all, but let's take a closer look and see it for what it is because it is not exactly "reality".  you with me?

ok ladies....

Are we women our own worst enemies?  I have to ponder this today because I made a new friend on the beach and we got to talking about it.  I know I'm a glass half full person by nature, so I always think everyone means well and needless to say I have found out otherwise many times, but it has not changed how I instinctively react to people.  I truly believe in the good and I love meeting new people and hearing their stories and finding out what drives them.  But I do understand the point my friend Joann was making and it has made me think twice.  When I personally read about or hear about a women who has done something amazing or inspiring, it in turn inspires me and I think I can do something great too.  When I see a really attractive, fit, fashionable female, I aspire to that and want to feel and look better myself.  But I know there is truth to the fact that many women do not think this way, rather they resent when someone else has something they don't have, does something they can't do, looks a certain way, is thinner, smarter, is in a good relationship, appears happier, etc.  (Should I re-think my happy helen project? haha)   But seriously, as Joann so clearly put it today, we need to stand together and respect each other's choices and decisions even if they may not be the same as our own.  We need to be supportive, not judgmental and feed off each other for inspiration. As one of the olympics commercials just quoted, "if we support each other, we can do anything".  So let's.

happiness project

I read the book called The Happiness Project during a weekend vacation to Turks back in early March.   It is not a typical self-help book as it may seem, but is a real accounting of a woman who looks at different aspects of her life each month to analyze how she can be happier in each of them.  What I loved most about it was that her idea of finding happiness did not include leaving her life to go seek it elsewhere... rather, she looked INSIDE her world to find out how to be happier in her existing life.  I love it when a book stays with you long after you read it and it somehow effects your life without your even knowing it.  Initially after reading it, yes, I made the impulsive move of starting my own company which I've had on my mind for some time (years actually) and the combination of the book and having the time to talk it out with Tom for 3 days while we had a weekend alone in paradise, just took me over the edge.  It was more like I was possessed when I got home, and things just took on a life of their own within one week and there was no turning back.  I'm not saying it wasn't scary and there were certainly some intense issues involved in it which caused me some sleepless nights, but it has truly been a turning point in terms of my own happiness at work.  I'm not suggesting that every person who reads the book needs to start a business (or a blog, which was another item on my 'do list') but it's interesting how I still look at pieces of my life and wonder how I can be happier in each.  Do I really think happiness can actually be a job or a program that I commit myself to?  I'm not sure but for now I'm gonna keep my little "happy helen" project going and see where it takes me.  


http://happiness-project.com/

breakfast in the sandbox

 

Some people just have the cutest ideas for a business - the Sandbox Cafe is one of those!!  This place manages to make you feel like you are at a cozy bed and breakfast with a few people cooking you the most amazing and unique breakfast you have ever eaten in your life!  seriously.  I wish I was a polished writer and could describe it properly, but thank goodness I can just post pix in spite of Juli's embarrassment when I take them. There are cozy corners with tables, cute little elements of decor everywhere that seem so random but are clearly thought out by someone with taste... the vibe is relaxing.... everyone in the place seems relaxed and even though most people have to wait quite a while to be seated, it clearly does not effect the mood once inside.  The 'ceiling' is comprised of trees and/or umbrellas, but overall it is an 'open air' situation so they have to close up when it rains, which can be disappointing if you were counting on it as we were the previous day, but it was well worth the wait.  Charming, relaxing, cozy and delicious.  A few menu highlights - Parmesan eggs, Tropical pancakes (which are HUGE by the way) and Banana Bread French Toast (think about that for a few minutes... )  Yum.  Enough said.

in the news

I don't really remember ever having my picture in the newspaper, but this week Tom and I made the local new!  nothing major, just a photo from the ECLC fundraiser (Fashion Show) which was held in May and I guess I should mention that I actually modeled in the show as well.  Not exactly what I signed up for when I took the PTO job, but thankfully life is full of surprises.  And after all the years or working behind the scenes on the high school fashion show, it was funny to experience the other side of the scene.  It was a little (a lot) nerve wracking that night.  The outfit was from Coldwater Creek, not my usual style, I had never even been in that store before - white jeans (I never wear white on my lower half for a reason), a flowery blouse with a kelly green jacket!  omigosh, no black?.... I added my own crazy shoes, of course.... I'm not sure if I was more worried about falling on my face in the shoes, or just the idea of walking on that runway with all eyes staring at me, but after the initial few seconds out there, I actually had fun.  supermodel helen signing off.

hot day + cape may

hot and sticky - that's how the day started and it only got worse..... the breeze was off the bay, so we knew there would be no relief at the beach, so I had the genius idea to take the kayak out with Juli... it's a one-person kayak, but we figured we could both fit.  I think she wasn't realllllly into it, but she kinda goes along with my crazy ideas at times, maybe she doesn't want to hurt my feelings, or maybe she just figures she has nothing better to do, so off we went with the kayak sticking out of the back of the truck.  Getting it in the water and launched was amusing enough.  It was pretty windy and wavy at the bay - but a HOT AND STICKY wind.. nothing pleasant about it.  When we got out a ways, it got more and more choppy, and when we tried to turn back, the kayak flipped and into the bay we plunged.  I think we were both pretty surprised and then it just got funnier and funnier.  We laughed so hard we could hardly get back in the kayak and then I finally got in and Juli hung on the back in the water while I dragged her along to a nearby dock and then she tried to pull herself aboard and ended up with a handful of splinters and through it all we were still laughing our heads off.  So we made it back, still feeling HOT AND STICKY... and figured maybe it would be better on the beach... so off we went and we were there for all of 5 minutes when the "attack of the flies" began!  It was like a bad movie. They swarmed us.  Then we came up with the final idea of the day, head to Cape May for some late afternoon shopping and dinner - hopefully something with air conditioning involved.  I have to say, it continued to be hot and fricken sticky as ever... it was really bad, but the stores, which are so quaint and the restaurant (Island Grill) had AC so there was some relief on and off.  After all that, we made a quick stop to put our feet in the sand and in the 3 minutes we parked to take some photos, we scored a $30 parking ticket for not putting money in the meter.   I guess that topped off the uncomfortable day, but I think we tried to make the most of it!  We are now on the couch watching The Bodyguard.  I''ve wanted to watch it with Juli ever since the passing of Whitney Houston, so we have finally gotten to it.  Juli is soaking her hand full of splinters and so ends the hot and sticky day... the temperature has finally dropped and there is a cool breeze at last.  WHEW......

birthday puppy

ok, so I don't spew love thoughts about my dog like other animal lovers do, but I do care about her... I mean I do complain about all the dirty work, picking up the poop, cleaning her and her crate, dealing with her doctor issues and yes, I'm the one who cleans up the vomit when that happens, so yeah, it's annoying, but she is a good dog truly and I felt I owe her at least a little belated happy birthday entry since she made it to 13 - which is 91 in doggie years!  (July 21st was her big day)  Happy Bday pooch!  xo

sunsets

They happen every day and they are so often so breathtaking,  but I am never really aware or paying attention except when I'm on vacation or at the beach.  I hate the thought that I'm missing something so magical every day... but how do I fix that?????  I need a sunset app.

same old but different

The best way I have found to get to know any city immediately is to go for a run (outside, not on a treadmill in the hotel gym).... it's weird how that just puts me in touch with everything about it so quickly, the lay of the land, the vibe of the people, the look of "everyday life" in it, and the small non-touristy things about it... You see things 'close up' in a way.  I have been to Disney World at least a dozen times or more over the years and this is the first time I'm in the city of Orlando and it is NOT to see Mickey, so the first hour I found to myself I decided to go for the get-to-know-it run..... now I feel like I've been to Orlando.  Thanks to google maps I located a little lake nearby and did a few laps around it while people-watching.  This is definitely NOT where the tourists hang out.  There were no Mickey Mouse ears or draping sashes loaded with Disney pins to be seen.  Just local people out for a walk, some neighborhood kids in the little playground and couples strolling around watching the swans on the lake.  The sunset was hidden, but the sky turned pink and was pretty cool against the pink fountain that I will admit, had a HINT of "Walt" about it.  The hotel - Grand Bohemian - is pretty quirky with lots of wacky artwork in every corner.  It is the closest thing to a rockstar hotel here I guess you could say, with celebrity and sports figure sightings I'm told.  I decided to end the night with a relaxing swim in the pool, but got there to find a very loud-mouthed girl with a heavy caribbean island accent talking loudly and aggressively to her boyfriend in the hot tub, so the karma was off and I left.... I will have to just enjoy the peace of the hotel room and a good night's sleep before the roller coaster of tomorrow's shoot begins!  and ps... I didn't know Rolls Royce had anything to do with making airplanes.. I was surprised to see their logo on the right engine of the plane.

lovin' lbi

 

• Watching fireworks on the boat on July 4th.
• Sunsets on the Bay.  Many. Breathtaking.
• The Moonrise over the ocean.  Rare. Magical.
• Opening up the house after the winter and that happy feeling inside.
• Jonathan's arcade obsession (maybe this should go way lower on the list)
• Riding big 'ol beach bikes here there and everywhere...
• We are regulars at The Greenhouse!!
• Remembering the 'wagon' days.... lugging the kids and all the toys up to the beach....
• Guys go golfing and me & Juli have girl time at Broadway Pizza... and Copper Cloud :( and Rita's :)
• Tommy's obsession with Flow Rider... and of course Jonathan too.
• Running and biking and NO HILLS to content with, but there is that wind factor.... brutal.
• Wicked thunder and lightening storms that are like a spectacular light show!
• The Dog Day Race - annual tradition with Jack & Eileen spectating every single year.
• Joanna determined to kick Tommy's ass at the Dog Day Race (a girl can dream)
• Tommy rolling over for the first time on the historic kitchen table and then... 'BAM'.... driving off in the jeep one day leaving Camille and I in tears out front.  (time goes too fast)
• Wakeboarding!!!!!!!!!  need I say more?
• Annual BBQ's with great food and fun times.
• The block party that will go down in South 1st Street history....
• Pink Flamingo decor phase.
• Molly jumping in the bay... back in the day when she was a younger pup...
• 500 rounds of Flamingo Golf (at least....)
• Tea time at How You Brewin'
• Embracing the sailing experience.... so peaceful.....
• Tommy and Jon Haverty - the beach brothers.
• The beautiful night sky - moon and meteor showers!
• Tom and the many house improvements... right up to the IPE deck and zen-like sculpture!
• The kids as babies napping on the beach... ahhhh... 
• Tommy learning to surf so long ago... and then becoming a really good surfer!
• Jonathan's annual birthday piñatas... tradition.....
• Boni on the beach!
• Cheryl and Lisa and the 'compound'
• Beach reports from Sal - "it's a 10"
• Kristen's annual week at Polise South 
• Tommy and Juli having "pillow talk"
• oh that damn new Donut place.... !  deadly delicious...
• Karen and Bagel-diddies!
• Juli reads lots and lots of books.....
• The sound of the cars crunching on the rocks...
• The annual beach badge photo wall
• Missing some of our neighbors whom we will always remember:  Jack, Bob, Bob and Anne

celebrity siting

He just walked into my office one day with a big orange beach style bicycle, kinda looking like a scruffy messenger but the minute I saw him I thought "it's Birdy" and of course I could not think of his name.... he was looking for a recording studio which I believe is on the 2nd or 3rd floor in the building, so I buzzed the freight elevator and asked for guidance, but I was so excited to meet him and the fact that I was just chatting with him like it was just another day and that I was not actually talking to freakin MATTHEW MODINE himself after seeing him on the big screen time and time again (Full Metal Jacket, Vision Quest, Any Given Sunday and the list goes on).... I felt like jumping up and down (which I kinda did after her left) and the few other people in the office didn't even know what the heck I was so excited about since they didn't even recognize him..... ahhh.... anyway, before he got away I did have to be bold and so I reached out and shook his hand and blurted "it was so nice to meet you, I'm a big fan and I've loved watching you over the years, thank you for sharing your talent and my favorite was Birdy" and I'm sure I sounded like a rambling fool but he was so gracious and said thank you so much and off he went to his recording.  love it..... Just thought about it again when I was sharing the moment with my mom and dad the other day and they TOTALLY GOT IT being the avid movie-goers that they are and so I was jumping up and down all over again!! ha.  I'm nutty.

marigold movie

I love when I see a movie and I think it's good at the time, after the fact I think about it more and more and realize just how GREAT it really was..... such is the case with The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.  I took Jonathan to see Madagascar 3 but I could not bear to do that to myself, so I settled him in to his theater and popped in to see Marigold..... at first I thought that if I was a little older I might enjoy it more... but as the movie progressed, it just got better and better and there is nothing BETTER than a movie that keeps you thinking well after you see it.  I am not a movie reviewer, so if you want the recap, hello google, but let me share my favorite quote:
"Everything will work out in the end.  So, if things are not working out, it is not the end."   (so true)

holy grill

I'm enlightened in the art of BBQ'ing after my niece's graduation party.  It was a poolside party complete with the 'grill master' who made gourmet magic on the grill.  I took full advantage of his expertise, grilling him for information (haha) about how he made all the delicious food with that big hunk of metal using propane.  His tip was to NOT overcook and dry everything out, keeping the grill on medium to low.. and here's the other news flash - indirect heat.  Cook the chicken turning the middle burners off and using it more as an oven without the flames directly under the food until that last few minutes where you turn on the center to give it the crispy finish.  genius right??  I won't go into detail about every ingredient, mainly because I don't remember, but let me just say that the desserts were crazy delicious and must be mentioned:  grilled bananas, grilled peaches, grilled pineapple!  All basted with a butter/cinnamon/sugar/cognac mixture and baked with the skins on.  As if that were not enough, he actually baked chocolate chip cookies on the grill!  The tip here was the make sure the grill was cleaned first, place them on a separate grilling sheet with foil on it for easy cleaning using and again using indirect heat, turning off middle burners - taking note of the temperate on the grill and keeping it on a lower heat setting.  yup.  summer just got a whole lot better at polise south......... thank you david and game on....

Gilenson - The Gas Grill Experts

a little bit of italy

I love when you set out to do something and it doesn't go as planned, but it turns out better.  Juli and I went out for our 'girls night' dinner at Broadway Pizza in LBI.  We biked over there on a perfectly perfect beachy evening, but when we got there, it was closed.  After the initial disappointment since this is our little tradition together, I remembered seeing a sign down the road outside the Italian deli that said "now open for dinner" so we headed on over to check it out.   The dining area was more special than I'd expected and the owner, Deb, welcomed us in - I immediately felt that I'd known her for years.  They had a special prix fixe menu with many choices, and the waitress said if there is something we wanted that is not on the menu, they could certainly make it for us as an a la carte item.  Dinner was fabulous - I had a pear and arugula salad and the lobster crepes..... Juli had bolognese style baked ziti and we shared a dessert that was TO DIE FOR.... the "Teardrop" perfectly named and I won't describe it, just go try it.  Her husband, Francis, is the chef, which explains the amazing crepes and awesome desserts, and he can cook a mean Italian dish!  We left full and happy and feeling as though we'd dined at a friend's house (a friend with a really nice house who has a husband who is a really good cook).  When in LBI - check it out for sure.....

A Little Bite of Italy

cable guy

He arrived, I bowed to him, he was confused at first, but then he saved us, we are back on line.  All is right with the world as we know it.

instant family time

If you ever want to see all the members of your family at once, sit by the internet router in your house and unplug it.  In 30 seconds or less, the entire family will appear before you.... waa-lah!  The reason I know this will work (guaranteed) is that it happened in our house by accident a few weeks ago when our internet service had a glitch and went out for about 30 seconds. (no exaggeration).  I was working on my laptop, and saw the browser freeze up and then... one by one they all appeared before me!  I was so amazed, that I didn't even think to be creative and say "let's exist for 10 minutes like the cavemen" because we actually did that back in October 2011.  I remember it all too clearly.  We truly need this thing called 'internet' to each be in our happy place (myself included).... and then as if that was not proof enough, on the last day of school, the internet went down again, but not for 30 seconds... it has been out for 3 days and counting, waiting for a technician to appear (in 1 more day) because I guess comcast does not have enough technicians for the life and times of the modern family...do they NOT know that we cannot exist for 4 days without internet service????  The producer in me could not accept this and I was determined to fix it myself, so I drove many miles (48 or so) to the NEAREST center to get a modem only to find the address they gave me was off by one house number and I almost crumbled on the spot.... but then my co-pilot spotted the sign buried in the trees on the opposite side of the street and we were saved.  New modem in hand and 48 miles back home, followed by one full hour on the phone... still no service and we are now at the mercy of the saturday savior aka comcast technician.  Stay tuned for that outcome.  As a side note, during all this, my other revelation was realizing that Tommy has the uncanny ability to listen to several minutes of my complaining and respond with one short sentence that either sums it up or cracks me up.  This will be the subject of my next posting because I have to drive to Starbuckes to publish this because I HAVE NO INTERNET!!

strange eating habits

Tommy literally eats DINNER food for BREAKFAST.  I'm sorry, this is NOT NORMAL.
Example - breaded chicken cutlets (cold), mashed sweet potatoes (thankfully he warmed these up) and quinoa with vegetables.  I'm sorry, but I cook these with DINNER-FRIENDLY spices.  hello... scrambled eggs, cereal, toast, etc?  I'm confused.  Did I mix up his baby food jars early on and cause this odd behavior?  (and no photo for this unless I remember to take one tomorrow when he is actually partaking in this type of consumption)

note.... I did remember to take a photo....and you will note the leftover chicken MARSALA (cold... !  ugh!!) and quinoa mentioned above.
give me my scrambled eggs with cheeeeeese pleeeease.....

sailing day

Father's Day could not have been more perfect for Tom doing what he loves with the people he loves  (minus one uncooperative family member).  I need to start by saying that we have not been on a sailboat together since the fateful day back in 1997 when our little September sail went bad with a mishap tack and a tipping over of our boat... but I won't even go there.  Even though there was a moment where my heart skipped a beat when this boat leaned pretty far over, Tom assured me that we  would not tip over and explained the dynamics of it (as a good engineer could) so I was relaxed.  Juli never really completely chilled, but maybe at some point.  Tommy embraced it as he does with any water sport.  He was hoping to try kiteboarding but that fell thru so this was the next best thing and he was in it all the way raising the sail and coming about with the jibe and all that.  sailor-in-training.  Juli was doing her best with the steering (tiller!) but had a serious look on her face the whole time - kinda like when she's driving, but not quite as happy.  All in all... a fun little day in the barnegat bay.

ridiculousness

If you have not seen this show (called 'ridiculousness'), it is worth a viewing.  soooo funny, just makes me laugh.  The concept is the old "america's funniest home videos" deal but the commentary makes it unique.  The skateboarder guy from Rob and Big hosts, (pay close attention, his voice is sounds like Matthew McConaughey but he clearly does not resemble him)... co-hosting is the guy from the 'hood, Steelo and he is so adorable and the girl with the infectious laugh who just makes you want to laugh with her.  The way they comment on and categorize the videos makes this show a do-not-miss in my book for anyone who just wants to LAUGH, although some of the videos make you wonder how stupid people can really be.... one of my fave episodes is with Justin Bieber as a guest and Rob explains that he is more popular than the country he came from - that would be Canada for those lacking in Bieber-Fever....

Ridiculousness Web Site

special olympics

Jonathan gets a hit - makes it to 1st base.

Players happy after exciting win!

Some awesome fans!

This weekend was the annual summer games down in Trenton.  Jonathan's softball team started off with an 8:00 am game against a fierce opponent.  They got crushed, losing by more than 20 points... but the 2:00 pm game was not a repeat.  They put the morning behind them and played their hearts out!  Each inning, the lead moved back and forth like a tennis match by 2 points... each time they fell behind, they fought their way back and it came down to the very last inning where they tied it and finished it off with style.  Every player contributed.  It was so incredible and emotional - those kids were as excited as if they had won the world series!  The director of the games came over to our team after the game and told them it was the best game she had ever seen played at the summer games in all her years!!  On Sunday, for the final game, they played against a team that was so much better than them, and although the team dominated the entire game, the Patriots never lost their spirit as they continued to hit and field every play as well as they could.  Vicky had an incredible catch in the outfield and her teammates were so happy for her and jumped on her in celebration even though they were far behind with pretty much no hope of winning.  With 2 outs in the bottom of the last inning, Jonathan had a seizure while on deck, and managed to get up at bat and hit an incredible fly ball to center field.  The ball was caught and they lost the game, but the Patriots took home the bronze medal.  There is no explaining the feeling of attending the special olympics - you are guaranteed to encounter the nicest people and all the athletes are truly happy, win or lose.  The aura clearly surrounds the town of Ewing because I accidentally left my i-phone in a 7-11 and the person who found it, called the last number dialed and managed to find me to return it.  Good karma all around.....!

my baby at the wheel

I love it.  I get in the car and she is at the wheel.  She looks completely different to me - a serious 'driving face' and so happy with her newfound grown up status.  My cup runneth over and I don't know why.  I have been through this before with my oldest, he is 23.  Why is this hitting me so hard?  Her excitement is contagious and her determination is fierce.  I can't stop smiling while I watch her back up, take her turns and focus so intently on doing everything just right.  Life is just precious sometimes.