What Matters

Tonight we met with our attorney to do new estate planning. Yes, we have an attorney. Look at us all adult, huh? It seems weird to say we have an attorney for something as serious as estate planning.

Anyhow, since we live in Massachusetts now and this state actually likes the gays, it was important to have new documents drawn up for our wills. We previously had all the necessary documents through Colorado, where they hate gays.

This was our second meeting with the attorneys. The first meeting was to go through a series of questions to help determine what was best for us and tonight's meeting was confirming all the decisions and seeing flow charts before all the documents are drawn up.

All I kept asking was whether these documents give me the power to put Dale in a retirement home, even if he refuses. They laugh and assume I am kidding. But really do these documents give me control over putting Dale in a home? Oh and I need to know I get all his secret Swiss bank accounts I assume he has been hiding from me. That is what matters.

Exaggerating

It started snowed this afternoon and has been lightly snowing all evening. Since Dale was cooking dinner for guests, I was responsible for shoveling the sidewalks and driveway when we got home. Our new driveway is 12 miles long and 2 miles wide. Our shovel is the size of a spatula. It was 4 degrees outside. It took forever to finish. Okay, I may be exaggerating - our driveway is only 10 miles long.

P.S. - I hate snow.

P.S.S. - But most of all I hate shoveling.

P.S.S.S. - But it is good exercise.

P.S.S.S.S. - Shut up Tom...nobody cares! Go eat some cake.

Show our appreciation

Tonight Dale and I had our co-workers and friends Kelly and Barb over to the house for dinner. They were both very helpful and kind to Dale and I when we were considering the move to Boston and looking for houses here. We wanted to have them over to see the new house and show our appreciation for their assistance and kindness. It was a very nice evening. Dale made haddock wrapped in parchment paper with rice and broccoli. But the real treat was dessert. Dale made his famous butterscotch bread pudding. It was so darn good. What did I do? I drank wine. Oh, and I did shovel the sidewalk and driveway.

Weekend Update

It was a good weekend.
Friday night was uneventful.
But after a long week.
I needed uneventful.
And an early night in bed.
The antique dresser scratched in the move was repaired Saturday.
That made me happy.
As it is a beautiful piece.
And a family heirloom for Dale.
They also picked up the antique brass lamp that was broken.
They will have it fixed in a week.
We had my friend and co-worker Paul Oetjens and his family came over Saturday evening.
They just moved here from Chicago.
They are waiting for their belongs to arrive in the van lines.
They are staying in a hotel for five days.
We figured coming over would be a good distraction for the kids.
And the adults.
We had a great time.
It was a fun evening.
Pizza.
The Avengers.
Mojitos.
Their kids are so adorable.
Plus they have a one year old.
And I love babies.
I wanted to keep him.
Dale said no.
I made homemade chili today.
My Mom's recipe.
It was delicious for dinner.
We did chores at home today.
Mostly Dale to be honest.
But I helped a little.
We washed all three cars.
I played with the dogs in the yard.
Zoe pulled a muscle in her leg.
It breaks my heart that she is getting older.
And I am tired of the cold.
I think she is too.
She is not use to damp and cold.
Right now Dale is prepping in the kitchen.
For dinner tomorrow night with co-workers.
He is eating his famous butterscotch bread pudding ready.
Yum.

Simple Things

It is funny how the simple things can make you smile. Dale and I went to the car wash today to clean the two Mini Coopers and the Equinox. Both times the car wash were playing music by Elvis. My Mom loved Elvis, so when I hear his voice I actually feel a little closer to her. It made for a good afternoon.

Favorite Place

One of Lucy's favorite places in the new house is in our den. She likes to push down the pillows and lie on the back of the couch in front of the window. She is so cute - a mix of sleepy and a guard dog.

My Physical

I am still waiting to do some blood work for my physical but the exam portion is complete. Everything went well and as expected my Doctor's only concern was my weight.

I have agreed to meet with a nutritionist, which made him happy as everyone he recommends that too usually says no. I look at it as a way to get some good tips on eating healthier. I know I need to work on controlling portions, reducing sweets and increasing fruits, vegetables and fish. I just get busy and lazy. I think seeing a nutritionist will help reinforce what I need to be doing.

Plus I need to figure out a way to get some exercise. I like walking/hiking and I need to get refocused on that as a minimum. If I can decrease the bad calories and get some exercise, it will make a huge difference.

This is my first physical since turning 40 and that brought the new humiliation of a prostate exam. The doctor was very kind about the whole process and while performing the exam commented that I had a small prostrate. I said, "thank you?" I was unsure if that was good, bad or if he was hitting on me. He laughed and said that it was good.

So now I sit and wait to get poked with some needles and wait a few weeks for the results. In the meantime, I will get focused on healthier eating and some exercise. I am already down 8 pounds since January 2nd so that is a good start.

Gown

I think it is time for someone to invent a new and improved hospital gown. It in unflattering and breezy. And seems unnecessary for a physical. Plus for guys can we call it something other than gown?

It is time

Let's get physical! No, not the song. No, it is not Olivia Newton John's birthday. Well, maybe it is. I really do not keep track of her birthday. I am not that gay. I love Xanadu and all, but I am not crazy or anything. Well, I am crazy but not crazy that way.

(How did this post get so far off track, so quickly?)

The let's get physical mention is because I am off to get a physical this morning.

Yippeeee (not).

It is time. I have a new doctor. I am (gasp) forty years old. I have not had a physical in years.

When you add in a family medical history riddled with cancer and heart disease, I think there are more than enough reasons to go and get checked out. Both my Dad and his father suffer or suffered from heart disease. My Dad had a bypass by 50 and my Grandfather died from a coronary by 50. The laundry list of relatives who had or passed from cancer starts right with my parents. Usually when I review medical history with a new doctor they look at me with a sad, concerned face when we hit the family history portion of the game show.

So what better way to start my day than a checkup and reminder that the extra pounds need to go too. Being overweight is not going to help with cancer or heart disease.

Wish me luck (or feel free to send me gifts...I will accept either). And maybe I will hear a Olivia Newton John song today on the hospital elevator.

Term Limits

I always find second term Presidents so much more interesting when they do not have a re-election holding them back from doing what they really want to do. Imagine if Senators and Congressman had term limits too how different politics would be? When they are constantly worried about being re-elected I think they try to upset nobody, so in reality you serve nobody. I am truly looking forward to see what Obama does these four years.

Reason #832 Why I Love Dale

Our water pipes are frozen again. It is likely due to a soffit allowing air to get near the water pipes in the garage. The last time we ran the space heater in that area and the pipes unfroze. We wanted to wait to see if it was a one time fluke or if it happened again before we did any repairs. It looks like we need to get it investigated and repaired. Ugh.

Anyhow, that is not the reason for this post - it is just the back story. I am sitting at an airport in Tampa heading home and Dale is stuck in a new house in Boston dealing with no water this morning. Does he get upset or annoyed? No. He just tells me he is fine and will get it worked out.

Dale is such a great guy to have around when things go wrong as he keeps things in perspective and does not sweat the small stuff. I would be cranky and annoyed having to deal with all of that at 7 AM and trying to get to work. Not Dale. He always keeps a great attitude and takes it in stride.

Thanks Dale!

Sometimes it is good

Since I was staying at the Tampa Airport Marriott last night I walked to the terminal to print my boarding pass for this morning's flight so I would not have to deal with it this morning. I planned to use the kiosk but the woman at the ticket counter asked where I was headed. I told her and she said she would print it for me. We got to chatting and I commented she was there late since there were no flights that late. She said she had two delayed flights that had just left. I talked with her about how must hard it must be when that happens and the hassle of getting people re-routed for connections when flights are so full nowadays. We talked for about 10 minutes. She told me I was the first person to be nice to her in four hours. She then moved me to the extra legroom seats on my flight for free when she printed my boarding pass. How sweet was she? Sometimes it is good to take a minute to talk to someone. Dale would be proud of me.

Chemistry

I slept much better last night.
However, it was partially due to chemistry.
I took a Tylenol PM.
I could not do another sleepless night in a hotel.
I still woke up a few times.
But not every hour.
I head back to Boston this morning.
Back home.
Back to Dale.
It was a good trip.
But.
It will be good to be home.

Different is not my friend

I did not sleep well last night.
I never do in hotels.
I do not do well with the unfamiliar.
Different is not my friend.

I fell asleep just before midnight.
Or there abouts.
But woke up every hour.
12:36 AM
1:37 AM
2:19 AM
3:40 AM
4:11 AM
5:31 AM
6:07 AM
It did not make for a restful nights sleep.
At all.

I usually take a Tylenol PM when I am at a hotel.
But.
I was so tired last night I figured that was silly.
Stupid me.

I can never find my spot.
In a hotel bed.
The sheets never feel right.
And Dale is not there.
Or the dogs.
I think that is what I miss the most.
The love is not there.
To keep me warm.
To keep me safe.
To surround me.

And when did half a blanket on a bed become acceptable.
I get the concept.
But a throw is not a blanket.
I get 10 pillows.
But half a blanket.
Silly.

Tonight will be different.
I hope.
And tomorrow I will be back home.
In my own bed.
Surrounded by love.

Airplane + Paramedics + Police = Weird Flight

Weirdest flight ever!

A woman had a stroke or seizure about 45 minutes before the flight was supposed to land. Not good. Very sad. She appeared to be in her early 70's. She collapsed in the aisle on way to bathroom it seemed. I was in back of plane so tough to tell or know.

And while the chaos of "do we have a doctor on the flight" is going on the woman in the row behind me loudly accuses the man next to her of fondling himself. She yelled, "Please stop touching yourself!"

He guy got pissed. It ended up with a huge argument. The Air Marshall had to get involved (never seen a real Air Marshall before). They had to be separated. She was moved up to middle of plane.

So all this while a woman is literally laying in the aisle having a stroke or seizure or something. Thankfully we had two doctors on the flight.

It was chaos.

The woman claims the man was constantly touching himself and looking at her. He claims he may have adjusted himself once or twice but he was by touching himself. He yelled, "Guys adjust," at one point when the Air Marshall was talking to him.

He was in his 30's and in a fairly nice suit. She was mid to late 40's and also fairly nicely dressed. It seemed very weird. Both seemed like normal business travelers.

Paramedics boarded plane for woman in front. Police boarded the plane due to the altercation. There was questioning. Finally they had us exit through a set of stairs in the back of the plane.

All very strange. Not sure what happened to woman in front of plane or the two people who had the altercation. Just happy to get off the plane.

On a positive note, I did get to watch the Inauguration on the in-flight TV.

Imagine what it would be like if I had kids...

A friend of mine from college sent me a direct message this morning on Facebook congratulating me on my recent engagement. Her whole family had the flu over Christmas so she was finally digging out and catching back up with people.

She wrote to me that although she has never met Dale, she feels like she already knows him based on my Facebook posts and blog. At the surprise party Dale and I attended this weekend, several people also made the same comment when meeting Dale.

The funny part in her message was she commented how she is always showing her husband different posts I write. She wrote that she had told her husband a few weeks ago that Dale and I got engaged. He responded by asking if we planned on having kids. She told him he did not know and asked why. He responded that if I post as much as I do about Dale imagine what it would be like if I had kids to be proud of and to post about.

Too funny. He is right. I guess you should all be thankful I do not have kids. Ha!

But what can I say - I love Dale, so I love to share that love and that pride. I am blessed to have him in my life - so I share that. Plus I am just a sharer by nature.

But I did appreciate the message and the laugh.

Since turning 40

I know I am getting old.
Not by the number of gray hairs.
No.
None of those yet.
Maybe by my thinking hair.
Yes.
But what tells me I am getting old.
Most of all.
Is my stomach.
I used to have a stomach of steel.
Nothing bothered me.
I never understood indigestion.
I never understood heartburn.
But since turning 40.
Things have changed.
Orange juice.
In the morning.
Even 1/2 a glass.
Gives me a tummy ache.
It seems unfair.
50 is the new 40.
So 40 must be the new 30.
Can someone tell my stomach?
Oh.
And I get random long eyebrow hairs now too.
Again.
All since turning 40.
What is with that?
Head is thinning.
But eyebrows are blossoming.
Unfair.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day here are four of his quotes that are my favorites.

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

"If a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live."

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

Good weekend

It was a good weekend.
Friday night in front of the fire with Dale.
And take-out Chinese food.
Saturday morning poached eggs.
Caught up on some bad TV.
Relaxed.
Surprise birthday party.
Dear college friends.
Reminiscing.
Sunday morning pancakes.
Library.
Relaxed.
Peanut butter sandwiches for dinner.

And now watching Revenge with Dale and probably falling asleep before I get to the end of the episode.

Sunset

I snapped this photo tonight. It is not that best since it is through the window screen and really does not do justice to just how stunning the sky looked, but I figured I would share anyhow.

Great party with college friends

Last night Dale and I went to the Granite Grille, which is about 45 minutes away in Braintree, MA for a surprise birthday party for my college friend, Rahila Cahill.  It was a wonderful surprise party and her husband Gene did an incredible job putting the party together and pulling off the surprise. Dale and I both had a great time.

I have not seen Rahila in about 19 or 20 years. It just makes you wonder - where does the time go? How can it be 19 years since college? Am I really that old? Yes. Thankfully due to the wonderful world of Facebook I have stayed in touch with a few friends from college like Rahila.

I have known Rahila since my freshman year at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, NY. Rahila had dated my roommate, Nick and lived in the same dorm - Moffitt Hall. I always adored Rahila as she is one of the kindest, sweetest and most genuine people I have ever met. When I think of people with a good heart - Rahila Cahill would definitely be a person on the top of that list. She has a warmth and love to her that is inspiring and contagious.

I knew Rahila as a young woman in college starting her path in life. Last night as I stood there at her 41st birthday party surrounded by about forty of her friends and family singing happy birthday as she blew out the candles on her cake, I felt incredibly proud of her. I was proud of the woman she has become. I was proud of the life she has created. It was proud to see her surrounded by so many people who love and adore her.  Best of all, it was great to see the love that her kids and husband Gene feel for Rahila. When he husband Gene spoke and gave a toast, you could tell just how much he cherishes his wonderful wife. His speech was honest, sincere and beautiful. It made me very happy to see that Rahila has such a beautiful life - a life that matches her beauty - inside and out.

Anne, Rahila, me, Dan and Kathleen

There were a few other college friends there I was able to catch up with and Dale was able to meet. Anne Gaydos, who I would also file in one of the sweetest people I have ever met came in from Connecticut. She looked beautiful and I it is hard to believe she is still not 18. I am not sure how I got older and so many of my college friends, like Anne have not aged a day. Dan and Kathleen Provancha, who met and dated in college came in from New York. They are a wonderful couple. I have so many great memories from my freshman and sophomore year that involve those too. They are exactly the same twenty years later and I am so glad we were able to catch up. I hope they make it out to Boston again soon. Bernadette Rae, who dated my other college roommate Dan was there as well and came in from Connecticut. She has a beautiful spirit and it was great to meet her husband, who was a great guy.

It was a great party and I am so glad we went. My thanks to Rahila's husband Gene for including Dale and I and Anne Gaydos for reaching out and making sure we attended. Thank you for a great evening. To Rahila, Anne, Dan, Kathleen and Bernadette - my thanks to you all for a great night. Even though it has been nearly 20 years, it felt like a moment has not passed. You are all as kind, dear and wonderful as the day I met you and it shows that good people stand the test of time. Best wishes to Rahila for a wonderful birthday and another year full of love and happiness. I hope to see you and Gene soon.

Redemption

To redeem myself for a day of sloth, I went outside and did a chore I completely hate and that Dale does for us 99.9% of the time - I cleaned up the dog poop in the yard. I feel it demonstrates quality of chores versus quantity of chores. At least that is what I am telling myself.

Plus I got to play fetch in the yard with Lucy. Zoe watched. I could not find Lucy's ball, so I got a red cardboard tube (think giant toilet paper roll) to play fetch. She loved it.

But of course she loves fetch or as I imagine she calls it - the "watch the fat guy try to catch me" game. She loves that game and about every five minutes throws me a bone and let's me get the stick. Good times!

Some sort of lesson

Dale has been doing chores around the house all day today.

I have been watching TV, napping, laying with the pups, surfing the net and pretty much doing next to nothing useful.

I did make him lunch but it still hardly seems equal since he made breakfast.

Dale is definitely getting the express lane to heaven. I will probably have to pull a number like 3,754,245 and they will only be on 57.

Maybe I could use that time waiting for heaven to watch TV, nap or surf the net too.

There really should be some sort of lesson here, but I need to go check up on the Facebook.

Inspiration to Disappointment

Like much of the world, all I've seem to have heard the past week was Lance Armstrong this and Lance Armstrong that as people awaited his confession to Oprah. Here are my thoughts:

Well, first let me tell you something funny and inappropriate Dale said yesterday at work. Dale said, "I am glad Lance Armstrong finally had the ball to admit his guilt."

Get it? Ball.

Now I did not watch the interviews but I did read exerts online as well as a video snippet on YouTube. Anyhow, I think like most of America I see the Lance Armstrong scandal as just another dent in our already tarnished world of sports. Lance is another example of using drugs to excel in professional sports and lying about it. Think how every professional cyclist must feel right now. Everybody now suspects every one of them cheaters. What about those who don't cheat? Their reputations are now marred just by being in this sport. What about the amateurs working so hard in this sport? The sport is now seen as completely tainted. How unfair is that for so many who did not cheat or lie?

What saddens me is the fact that for many kids, Lance was a hero. Just like a Barry Bonds or Ben Johnson there were kids, teens and adults who looked up to Lance and his cycling accomplishments only to hear he cheated, lied and bullied. Maybe that is what is the most shocking is not the lying but the bullying he did to keep his lies from surfacing. So much for LiveStrong, huh?

Speaking of LiveStrong, what sickens me the most is that he was an example for so many as a cancer survivor. Knowing what Dale, my Mom and my Dad all faced with cancer and how hard they fought - that is where my disappointment, frustration and disgust lie. So many people wore his LiveStrong bracket with pride. So many people looked to his story for inspiration and hope. That is the part that I think is the most disappointing. You have a man that inspired the world and you now are faced with the reality that he was a monster. He not only lied but threatened, sued and even destroyed the lives of friends to keep his secret. He lied to the faces of people who loved him. He looked into the faces of other cancer survivors and lied.

Why did Lance feel so invisible to let a lie go this far? How could Lance speak to small children as a role model when he knew he was a fraud? How could he look at another cancer survivor and not feel like a monster inside? I guess the need for victory, fame, fortune and success can make people do horrific things. That is really the only reason. He believed he was better. He believed he could and should live by a different standard.

It is just plain sad. It is sad to see an inspiration dissolve into this mess. But if nothing else America loves a good comeback story. Look at Bill Clinton. He left office with dismal approval ratings and too may a disgrace. Today, he is worshipped with record approval ratings. Nobody cares he porked Monica in the Oval Office. Hell, if it meant a better economy right now, America would probably vote for hookers to service Obama on a regular basis. So maybe 5 or 10 years from now Lance Armstrong will once again be seen in a positive light - who knows. Stranger things have happened.

The only one who really one out of this whole thing was Oprah. She got a big story, big ratings and was seen as relevant again by getting a big interview. Everyone else lost - Lance, his kids, his family, his friends, his fans, the cycling world and those with cancer he inspired. They all lost.

What amazes me is that one man who could inspire so many can also be the same man to disappoint so many. Talk about highs and lows. But with all things tomorrow will bring a new scandal, a new villain and a new news story for the media to chomp at. Lance will become a distant memory for a while and something new will take the spotlight. That is the only definite.

Japanese Game Show

Last night I had a dream I was in Japan and involved in some reality cooking show. I was provided a chef, a stocked kitchen and had to instruct the chef on a meal to make to match a celebrity. My celebrity was Britney Spears. I remember thinking I have to use asparagus spears and how clever that would be. I also remember the chef only spoke Japanese so I just kept pointing at stuff and there was a giant dog shaped clock that "meowed" after every 15 minutes. Weird dream (as usual).

No matter what...

My fortune from Ginger Root tonight. I love their food. And their cookies.

The sounds of the 60's

I grew up on 60's music, which seems odd for a kid born and the early 70's and a teen in the 80's but it is the music I always heard in our home and in the car. My parents loved the soulful sounds of the 60's and it is still my favorite era of music.

60's music warms my soul, relaxes me and feels like a comfortable blanket surrounding me. It is even how I start most days. We have a clock radio/CD player in our bathroom and play a mixed CD of 60's music in the morning featuring tunes from The Four Seasons, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Tommy James and The Shondells, The Temptations, The Beach Boys, Archie Bell and The Drells, The Spencer Davis Group, The Mamas and The Papas, The Righteous Brothers, Lovin' Spoonful, The Drifters, Marvin Gaye, The Beatles, Sam and Dave, Martha and the Vandellas, Miracles, Tina Turner, The Four Tops and Ray Charles.

I remember thinking as a kid my parents were not cool or hip since they listened to the 50's and 60's stations rather than the cool top 40's stations. I was so wrong. Those pop, trendy tunes came and went, but the music my parents loved stood the test of time. They loved music with soul, music with meaning, music that was simpler, nicer and lifted them up. It is the music that does the same for me each and every day. In the end, it was my parents who were the cool ones.

Not only did they introduce me to amazing music, they taught me it was better to follow your heart, than just do what is cool. And I could not be more thankful.

No heat

New home ownership can be challenging. Things are new to and unfamiliar. Dale and I faced that last evening when we came home to a house with no heat.

Burr!  It was 58 degrees in the house at 6:00 PM when we got home (poor dogs).

Dale and I did the obvious thing - we checked the furnace. Well, Dale checked the furnace. I just got whiny and argumentative as to why Dale did not know how to fix a furnace (seems like something he would know).

Well, the furnace was not running. Dale re-started it. Great, right?

Wrong.

For a few minutes it seemed like it was working, but it went right out again. Ugh.

We suddenly remembered we have two furnaces - one in the basement  for heating the first floor and one in the attic for heating the second floor (fancy, I know). The attic furnace was out too. Ugh. It seemed weird that both were out.

I went to Google (yes, I Google everything I need help with) and it gave a few things to check before calling someone. So we checked the circuit breakers and thermostats like it said. Neither were an issue. Ugh.

Our house is heated by propane versus electric like we are used to, so we checked the gauge on the propane tank (outside in the snow and cold) too and could not even find a needle to indicate level. We called the propane company - Eastern Propane and they said there should be a needle and they filled us last on 1/3/13 so there was no way we could be out of propane in 13 days since we have a 450 gallon tank. More ugh.

I emailed the former owner of our house, who was also the builder to see if this has ever happened before. He was a saint. He not only answered the email but even offered to come over to help. He also said to try the stove since that is propane too. If that was not working then it was not the furnaces and meant we are out of propane or there is a propane leak. The stove did not work. Ugh.

We called back our propane company and they again said they filled on 1/3/13, but would send out an emergency truck. It would be a $200 emergency service charge, but if the propane was indeed empty they would waive the $200 emergency fee.

4 hours later at 10:30 PM the truck arrived. The house was down to 52 degrees and was freezing.

Guess what?

We had no propane. None. Zero. Zilch. Ugh.

The driver last night was very kind. He got us filled up and even came inside to make sure the furnaces and water heater all came back on.

Dale called Eastern Propane back today. It ends up they have moved to a new computer system and we in fact were NOT filled up on 1/3/13 and they have actually never filled the tank since we moved in. Lovely.  However, they were not very apologetic, which sort of sucks.

But, we learned that people here in Boston are great too.The previous home owner was incredibly kind with his offer to come over and we even received an offer of help from someone we had never met. When we moved in November, my friend Kath had connected me to her friend Kaydee, who lives here in the Boston area. I friended Kaydee on Facebook. Kaydee saw my no heat Facebook post last night and called me to see if I needed a referral on a plumber. Aren't people amazing?

I guess all is well that end well, right? And let's hope for no more issues with the house for a long time.

Here comes the sun

A shot of of my bedroom window of the sun through the trees.

My favorite mojito recipes

Here are my two favorite mojito recipes from over the years. The first recipe has ginger in it and I am a huge ginger fan. Ginger in a mojito makes something amazing even more amazing.  The second is for a classic mojito because sometimes an original is a great thing. Enjoy and happy drinking.

You can never drink just one mojito.

Ginger Mojitos

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 (4-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated on the large holes of a box grater (about 1/3 cup packed)
• 2 cups tightly packed fresh mint leaves (from about 2 bunches)
• 1 (750-milliliter) bottle white rum
• 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 18 medium limes)
• Ice
• 2 1/4 cups club soda, chilled
• 12 fresh mint sprigs

Instructions:

• In a small saucepan, bring the sugar, water, and ginger to a boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar, about 5 minutes. 
• Remove from the heat, add the mint leaves, stir to combine, and let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.
• Place a fine-mesh strainer over a 1-1/2- to 2-quart container and strain the syrup, discarding the solids. Add the rum and lime juice and stir to combine. 
• Cover and refrigerate until well chilled.
• To serve: for 1 drink, fill a 10-ounce glass with ice. Add 1/2 cup of the Mojito base, top with 3 tablespoons of the club soda, and stir to combine. 
• Garnish with a mint sprig.

Classic Mojitos

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 handfulls mint leaves
• 1-1/2 to 2 ounces of light rum
• 1/2 lime
• 1 can club soda

Instructions:

• Mix 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar in a saucepan and heat until boiling.Stir until the sugar dissolves (about a minute). Then turn off the heat. Toss in a handful of mint leaves and let it steep (just sit there off the heat) for an hour or so. 
• Strain out the leaves and store in the fridge till you're ready to use it.
• Pour 1 ounce mint-infused simple syrup into a tall glass.Add a handful of mint leaves, and muddle it together use a muddler or a spoon.) 
• Add crushed ice. Muddle some more.
• Add to that 1-1/2 to 2 ounces of light rum
• Squeeze in the juice of half a lime.
• Add a splash of club soda and stir.
• Garnish with a mint sprig and a slice of lime.

Puppy in the snow

Lucy loves the snow. She is like a little kid...she just has to play in it. At 9 years old, the joy of snow has worn off for Zoe, so it is nice having Lucy and have her puppy excitement.

Lucy in the snow

Lucy had fun this morning in the snow.

Snow

Woke up to about an inch of snow this morning. I did not know it was supposed to snow so when I walked downstairs to let the dogs out I was a little surprised. At first I thought it was my eyes playing tricks but everything was actually covered in a think layer of white powder.

Remember when you were a kid and you would sit by the radio listening to the school closures praying they would say your school? I went to school in the Lansingburgh School District so of course when I would tune it the radio DJ would be on the M or N's...so you'd sit there and have to wait for them to get back to the beginning of the alphabet. I can remembering hearing Ichabod Crane School District and perk up thinking here comes Lansingburgh. I also remember the disappointment when every of school would have a snow day and my school was just on a two hour delay. That seemed to always happen.

Now schools just posts closures to their website and kids text the news. It sort of removes the fun of the anticipation as you waited for your school to be announced on the radio or TV. Sometimes technology makes things easier but I think it ruins some of the charm.

Reason #453 and #454 Why I Love Dale

It is easy to find plenty of reasons to love Dale. He is kind, genuine and extremely caring. I have experienced 9 1/2 years of his kindness, but even I am amazed some days by how wonderful he can be.

Reason #453 Why I Love Dale

Last week there was a dead robin in front of our office. My guess is it had flown into the window and broke its' neck. We passed the dead bird two consecutive mornings and it was not the greatest way to start the day.  On day three there was no bird.

Why?

Dale had moved and buried the bird.

Seriously.

Dale took the time to take a piece of cardboard, move the bird under a bush, dig a hole and bury the bird.

Why?

Dale said the bird deserved a more private resting place, just like everyone.

How sweet is that, right? 99.5% of people would have passed the bird every day, tried to pretend it was not there and wondered when building management was going to handle removing it. Dale not only took it upon himself, but he gave the bird more than a dumpster, but a final resting place.

Reason #454 Why I Love Dale

Tonight we went to Bed Bath and Beyond. We were returning two things we bought over the weekend that did not work out and exchanging one item. We were at the register and the cashier apologized that she needed to call a manager to apply our original discount to our new item.

She said, "Sorry, I am just a cashier."

Now most people would have said, "Okay."

Not Dale.

He said, "You are not just a cashier. You are a cashier and very important to this business."

How kind is he? The cashier looked at him and said, "Thank you." I could tell it meant a lot to her.

He amazes me with his kindness and sometimes, it is not the big gestures, but it is the things that nobody would ever know like burying a bird or the kindness to a complete stranger, who was ringing us up at a register.

What can I say...the guy is the greatest and I am blessed to have him to share my life.

Mojito Spokesperson

I am very excited. I received an email last night from a woman named Cheryl in California last night, who is planning a party for her husband's birthday and she plans on serving mojitos as that is his favorite drink (good man). She was Google searching mojito recipes and other mojito related phrases and on three occasions came across a post on my blog about mojitos.

She found my email address on my blog and sent me an message asking if I had a favorite mojito recipe since I posted so much about the drink. Too funny. To quote her - "I figured anyone who posts enough to rank on Google must have a recipe they prefer."

I love it.

I emailed Cheryl this morning and told her I would send her two of my favorite recipes later today. I love that finally I am becoming a Mojito Spokesperson. It is like a dream come true for me. Now others may think it means I drink too many mojitos and to those people I say, who cares...I am now officially a spokesperson.

Happy drinking! And thanks Cheryl - your email brought a huge smile to my face.

The week that was

The past week was a bit of a blur. Not a "too much going on" or "life is crazy" blur, but more of a Ground Hog's Day blur. All week it felt like the same thing - wake up, go to work, come home, eat dinner, watch a little TV and go to bed. Rinse and repeat.

This boredom tends to happen in January each year. I fall into a bit of a post holiday blues. Add in the fact I am on my 10th day of fighting this head cold and it was just not the greatest week. I am sick of coughing a s I am sure Dale is sick of listening to me cough too. I am tired of feeling sick and run down.

On a positive note, the weekend was good. Dale and I got a lot done off the honey-do list and we found our wedding venue - so that made for a productive few days.

Other than all of that - not too much to report from TomLand.

One final thought - how many days until summer?

Smart

While I should have been doing chores yesterday I got a little distracted by Dale's glasses and Zoe. Doesn't she look wicked smart with glasses? She is so cute.

Finishing Touches

On Saturday, Dale and I put the finishing touches on our bedroom. We finished hanging artwork and accessorizing. It feels warmer now. Dale has such an incredible eye for decorating.

Gray day

Today Dale and I ventured into Boston to look at a wedding venue. We loved what we saw and think we have a cool location for the ceremony and reception. Plus we got to enjoy a bit of Boston on this warm, cloudy day. Even on a gray day, it is still beautiful.

Winter sunset

I snapped this shot of the sunset through the trees from our back patio. The colors were stunning. There is something very unique about a winter sunset. It feels a bit lonelier, but still beautiful.

With me

Maybe it is the post holiday blues. Maybe it is the post vacation blues. Maybe it is the realization my Mom has been gone for ten years. Maybe it was being sick all weekend. Maybe it was the cold weather last week. Maybe it was the disappointment that I had to remove someone I thought was a friend from my life. Maybe it is realizing my tan will soon be gone.

Maybe.

Likely it is a bit of all of those things.

But not matter the why, I do know I feel off. I do not feel like my usual self. I feel a sense of sadness and melancholy. I even feel hurt.

And that is okay.

We all feel sad sometimes. We all get introspective. We all get the blues.

I am no different.

But.

I am ready to let go of that and move forward. To get back to me. To focus on the good.

And it starts tomorrow.

New sunrise. New opportunities. New smiles. New laughs. New day.

And.

A new mood for me.

Because that is where it has to start - with me.

Bridge Collapse Dream

Last night I had a dream I was driving in my car on a highway that had a bridge that crossed over a river. I was traveling in the right lane and in the left lane there was a protest on the bridge with what seemed to be thousands of protestors walking. I figured at all the cars would slow to see the protestors, so I turned off at the exit before the bridge to avoid being delayed. Next thing I know the bridge collapsed. The cars and people all plummeted into the river. It was horrific to see. Not sure what this dream means or why I had it but it was very frightening.

Ten Years

It just dawned on me that yesterday was January 4th. My Mom passed away ten years ago yesterday after a long battle with ovarian cancer. She was only 53 years old and far too young and loved to leave this Earth. I miss her dearly. It feels weird I did not notice the date yesterday - maybe it was me being sick. I am not sure. It sort of bothers me that let yesterday pass without remembering but I know she would understand.

Just how weird I can be

Last night I was a sick coughing mess. I took NyQuil and was in bed by 10:00 PM. Somewhere between 12:30 AM, when I went to the bathroom and 4:30 AM, when I was crawling on the floor - I knocked my phone off my nightstand.

Here is the tough part, I heard it fall and although it bothered me I knew I'd never find it in the dark. So I did my best to go back to sleep. The problem is my brain would not let it go. I kept dreaming that I had dropped my phone through some floor boards in a house on the beach and thieves were crawling under the house trying to get my phone before I could. I kept waking up and falling back to sleep with a similar dream.

Finally at 4:30 AM I gave up and decided to turn on my table side lamp and get my phone. Of course Dale woke up. I told him I was looking for my phone and he told me to turn out the light and go back to sleep.

Finally after much searching I found it. It was half way under the bed and I could not reach it. I decided to grab the baseball bat from our closet, that we keep for security or a pick up baseball game I assume. I could not find it. Dale woke up again and was less than pleased. He told me to go back to bed. I kept searching and told him I needed a bat to retrieve my phone from under the bed. He must of thought I was insane or having a NyQuil induced episode.

Finally he told me to use a hanger. Perfect! There I was on the floor at 4:30 AM with a hanger dragging my phone out from under my bed to stop the bad dreams. Yes, at times even I amaze myself just how weird I can be.

The guy from the NyQuil commercial

Last night I came home from dinner and my throat felt scratchy.
By bed I was a non-stop cough fest.
This morning.
I showered.
Felt a bit better.
And dragged myself to work.
As the day went on I felt worse and worse.
Coughing.
Runny nose.
Sore throat.
Hives.
Yes, hives.
Now I am home.
In my pajamas.
Laid up on the couch.
Tissues.
Ginger ale.
Cough drops.
Soup.
The dogs.
Dale took care of me.
Now if I could just shake this thing.
And not look like the guy from the NyQuil commercial.

Please consider signing this petition

On December 24th, 2012 four firefighters in West Webster, NY responded to a call of a vehicle/house fire. As they arrived they were ambushed by a lone gunman. Lt. Mike Chiapperini and Firefighter Tomasz Kaczowka were killed on scene. Firefighters Joseph Hofsetter and Theodore Scardino both received life altering injuries which will require months of rehabilitation. These brave men were volunteers who answered the call for assistance at 5:30 in the morning.  These brave men were ambushed by a coward. For their sacrifices, their willingness to help their fellow man they all should be honored with the Medal of Freedom.

To award the Medal of Freedom to the four firefighters who were ambushed in West Webster, New York on Christmas Eve 2012, please consider signing this petition with The White House:

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/award-medal-freedom-4-firefighters-who-were-ambushed-west-webster-new-york-christmas-eve-2012/nppN54ZN

Thank you and please share this petition with your friends and social network. And thanks to my friend Nell Herman of Webster, NY for sharing with me.

Little and often makes much

We went for Chinese with friend, co-worker and house/dog sitter JR tonight. It is his last night in Boston before moving back to Denver.

I really liked Dale's fortune tonight - simple and profound:

"Little and often makes much."

Mine was not as good. Lucky Dale.

Back to Reality

Dale and I got home yesterday around 4:00 PM. It was two long days of travel. We were welcomed at home by our dogs - Zoe and Lucy. There was a lot of tail wagging, but I will not lie, I sort of expected more after ten days. Would it kill the two of them to make a banner that read Welcome Home Dads? Would a few balloons really be that much trouble? Oh well. What can you do, right?

It is already a tough adjustment back to reality. Last night my feet were too warm to wear socks to sleep, yet at 4 AM this morning I was seriously cold and regretting that decision. I miss Belize and the fact I never needed socks or too worry about getting cold there.

This morning instead of being woken by a warm, gentle ocean breeze and a sunrise, I was woken by two hungry dogs looking for breakfast. Yes, the same ungrateful dogs who could not make one banner or sign for my return.

I head back to work today and today is also Dale's first day at his new job here in Boston. I know it is exciting for him, but I know he is nervous too. New jobs are always a bit stressful, but I know he will do great. He is amazing at everything he does.

On the plus side, it is already Wednesday so a short week will help as I need this weekend to decompress and get back into real life mode. But I am not complaining...I ended 2012 with a stellar vacation, 2013 lies ahead with new opportunities and life is great.

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Just not for me

Our flight this morning is on United Airlines and I could not be happier. My last four flights were American Airlines and I found their service, planes and even their website subpar.

I know everyone has their airline preference and airline horror stories, so many of you will say, "I love American Airlines. United Airlines is the worst." That is fine. We all have had our experiences that shape our opinions. And let us be honest, no airline is perfect. in fact, the level of service in the entire industry continues to decline. However, my point is that American Airlines is just not for me.

We all know my less than stellar travel karma and I usually fly United Airlines 99.5% of the time, so you would think I would hate them, but I actually like them a lot. First off, the majority of my flight delays and cancellations (aka bad travel karma) are typically weather related or just plain dumb luck (plus these escapades made great fodder for my blog). However, when a delay is United Airlines's fault I find they have very good customer service and tend to treat me right.

I will always accept that things will go wrong. It is just the law of averages (my average tends to skew higher than most I feel) but how a company handles a situation when things goes bad speaks volumes about that company. Like I said, even when things go bad, United Airlines always has tried to make it better and keep our relationship strong. I know others may not have the same experience, but for me I remain a loyal United Airlines fan and American Airlines has done little to show me any of their good.

Reason #742 I Love Dale

I love that Dale never skimps or is frugal on vacation. We both agree vacation is a time to go where we want, eat where we want and do what we want. Now, don't get me wrong as this is always within reason, but if we both want to eat at a fancy restaurant for dinner, we do it. Or if we want to do an excursion costs $300 for something unique like cave tubing and zip lining in a jungle, we do it. I love this about Dale. I have traveled with some people and they never want to spend anything extra and it makes for a less enjoyable vacation.

I also love how balanced Dale is in that once vacation ends he moves into savings mode and pushes us to be more frugal. He keeps us focused on rebuilding our vacation savings so we can have another great vacation. Take our hotel stay in Denver last night. Dale asked me to find the most affordable hotel near the airport that included breakfast. I personally would have just picked the first one to pop in my head and grabbed food at the airport. A little push from Dale to do five minutes of research gave us a good night's sleep at $84 at the SpringHill Suites with a complimentary breakfast. Now it is not like we saved $100 or something, but we probably saved $20 and $20 is $20, right?

Balance in Life

Dale is 6'3". You would think that after 9 1/2 years together I would learn to adjust the shower head down when he showers first in a hotel (like this morning) because I end up with a blast of water directly to my 5'10" high face. I guess some lessons are never learned. On the plus side, Dale is great for reaching the high shelves I cannot and easy to find in a crowd.

It is all about balance in life I guess. You can't get the good, unless you take a little of the bad, right?

My Mantra for 2013

I saw this quote this morning and I feel it is a perfect mantra for me in 2013:

"Celebrate what you want to see more of." - Thomas J. Peters

It is simple, practical, empowering and reminds me that I can and will make 2013 a great year by focusing on the things that and the people who matter most to me.

Happy New Year!