He Said Just Keep Counting Crows...

Forgive me if I get a bit nostalgic. Rob took me to a concert last night to celebrate our anniversary. It was three of my favorite bands- Collective Soul, Live and Counting Crows- what a triple bill! They are doing a "summer ballpark tour" and they played at the Fisher Cats Stadium in Manchester. We had a ball...one of the most comfortable venues we have been to and such a perfect night weather wise!

As I listened to the Counting Crows, I couldn't help to feel melancholy. The first time I heard them was during the Summer of 94 when I was working for Pro Source in Waltham (a small technical staffing firm).

It was the Summer before my senior year in college and I was editing resumes (gaining work experience in my field right?) Well..as the days of summer rolled on and the more I listened to my coworkers wheeling and dealing,..I kept thinking "hey I want to do that!" I begged some of the managers of the firm to hire me...they all said "you are crazy...go enjoy your last year of school..you will never get this time back...go have fun!" At the time, I was frustrated...just wanted to work..especially there. It was so much fun AND we listened to the Counting Crows' Album "August and Everything After" day after day so what more could I want?!

When I did give into their advice and realized it was not even up for negotiation with my parents, the team took me out for lunch for my birthday and gave me a card. They all had wonderful things to say and several people told me I could be a great recruiter some day. One message on the card stood out in my mind. Without having to tell him how much the music impacted me, Rod wished me well and told me how much he enjoyed having me around the office (and some other pleasantries) but he signed off by saying "Remember to Just Keep Counting Crows." Now any time I hear their music from this album..I think of that card (which I still have somewhere).

I am grateful for that time and the lessons I learned from the team at Pro Source. If I had stayed, I would have never received my degree or met my first husband. I would have never taught students from China how to read and write English. I would have never played the biggest part I ever played- Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (which had been a life long dream!)

I would have never made the mistakes in my life both personally and professionally; mistakes which helped me to grow and become the person I am today. Most importantly, I would have never met my wonderful husband and stepchildren who truly make my life complete today.

I did go into recruiting and I am still in recruiting now...Oh God! I am scared to tell you that it has been over 10 years- EEK!

Now when I hear Rain King, I always go back to the Summer of 94...when I thought I knew everything and life couldn't get much better. I laugh now and think I don't even know half of what I hope to know 10 years from now!

I watch Kayla preparing for college in the fall and I get inspired by her confidence. I also chuckle when she gets indignant and preaches to Rob about all that she knows. I don't know what her song or band will be some day but I hope she can laugh the way I do now...and I will give her my best advice come September...Just Keep Counting Crows....

3 Years Down!

Happy Anniversary to the love of my life! Today we celebrate three years married :) Thank you for showing me what it means to truly be loved and cherished babe! "I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned that ‘making a living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life.’ I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." (Maya Angelou)

Bannerman Pizza Party!

Jules and Cory came over last night and brought pizzas! We had a blast! Of course, Baby Caiden was the center of our universe! We had so much fun re-connecting and just chilling....it was such a nice family night :)

We also decided our next family get together will be a Harry Potter Party in the fall! We are going to rent all of the movies and just have a marathon!

Lunatic Fringe at the Lakeview

So after babysitting was over on Friday night and Steve came to pick up his little cherub, I headed out to catch by hubby's band. He is the lead singer of Lunatic Fringe. The band plays mostly 80's, some 70's and modern rock tunes. They are fantastic.

The gig was filled with lots of friends from town...Diane Figaro and Tom...the McDades..the Crichtons and their extended fam and the Noels. We had fun dancing...what a great venue for a band..nice BIG dance floor which is key! These guys are not to be missed! Check out their schedule on www.myspace.com/lunaticfringerocks.

Adventures in Babysitting!

We had the pleasure of babysitting Alexis...my precious goddaughter...the beautiful baby girl of Cassandra and Steve Fournier. She was so much fun! As you will see in the pictures, the kids (all three of them) were enthralled with her! We played with the cell phones...bunny...and Winnie the Pooh. We were sad when she had to go to sleep but had so much fun during her waking hours :)

Portsmouth Getaway....

We had a nice overnight..a romantic getaway if you will...it was nice to reconnect. Portsmouth is one of our favorite places. We went to the beach on Saturday in Hampton and then up to the Sheraton Portsmouth Harbor Hotel. Later on, we had dinner at the Blue Mermaid. Rachel Ray was there recently and had WONDERFUL things to say about it...she even gave it one of her favorite ratings "DELISH!" After dinner, we walked around and then hit Poco's for a drink out on their back viranda. It was such a relaxing getaway!!!

Falmouth With The Fooch!

Just got back from Cheryl and Billy's house down in Falmouth. It was everything I expected and more! What a beautiful beach house...overlooking the marshes and dunes...had so much fun!

Cheryl made the most wonderful eggplant and her Bill were the best hosts...we had a ball reminiscing about times at New Boston and sharing several laughs courtesy of Mia Bella Solimine. Enjoy these shots of us, Mia and of course we cannot forget JACK!!!